In Year 6 the children have had some interesting discussions and debates about free will and determinism.
Free will is where you have total control over something.
Determinism is where something is completely out of your control; it is determined by something or someone else.
The children reflected on examples of this in their own lives:
- ‘At the moment, I have free will about my choice of friends even though my parents speak to me about making good choices.’
- ‘I have free will over my bedroom and how I want it to look. Of course I have a budget and a limit to what I can do but my dad is supportive.’
- ‘When I am older, I will have total free will over where I choose to live.’
- ‘My behaviour is determined by my parents. Some of the expectations are similar to school.’
- ‘Attending school everyday is an example of determinism as it’s compulsory. If I didn’t go to school, my parents would be in trouble.’
How does free will and determinism relate to the crucifixion of Jesus?
Christians believe that the death of Jesus was all part of God’s plan to save humanity. Jesus was aware of this plan and was willing for it to be fulfilled. The death and resurrection of Jesus is at the core of the Christian faith.
The children looked at the events in Holy Week to find evidence to support this.
