Meaning: The quote by Roger Ebert touches on a fundamental aspect of Catholic theology, which is the concept of free will. In Catholic theology, free will is understood as the capacity of human beings to make choices that are not determined by any external forces. This concept is deeply rooted in the belief that God created humans with the ability to make their own decisions and choices, rather than being predestined or controlled by divine will.

One of the key principles of Catholic theology is the idea that God created humans in his own image, endowing them with the ability to reason, choose, and act freely. This notion is derived from the Book of Genesis in the Bible, where it is stated that God created humans and gave them dominion over the earth. This dominion implies a level of autonomy and agency that is central to the concept of free will in Catholic theology.

The quote suggests that according to Catholic theology, the granting of free will by God implies a level of non-interference in the choices and actions of human beings. In other words, the existence of free will means that God does not dictate or control every decision made by humans. This aligns with the Catholic understanding of God as a loving and just creator who respects the freedom and dignity of his creatures.

Furthermore, the quote implies that the notion of free will in Catholic theology is incompatible with the idea of divine determinism or predestination. In other words, if God truly granted free will to humans, it would be contradictory for him to intervene in a way that overrides or manipulates the choices made by individuals. This perspective emphasizes the significance of human agency and the moral responsibility that comes with the exercise of free will.

The concept of free will in Catholic theology has significant implications for the understanding of moral and ethical decision-making. It posits that humans are accountable for their choices and actions, as they have been entrusted with the freedom to discern right from wrong and to make choices based on their conscience. This aligns with the Catholic moral tradition, which emphasizes the importance of individual conscience and the pursuit of virtue through the exercise of free will.

In summary, the quote by Roger Ebert encapsulates the idea that according to Catholic theology, the granting of free will by God implies a level of non-interference in the choices and actions of human beings. It reflects the belief that God respects the autonomy and agency of humans, allowing them to make decisions without direct divine intervention. This understanding of free will has profound implications for moral responsibility and the ethical dimension of human existence within the framework of Catholic theology.

The concept of free will in Catholic theology represents a foundational aspect of the relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing the dignity and autonomy of individuals as moral agents. It challenges the notion of a deterministic or predestined universe, asserting the significance of human agency and the moral imperative to exercise free will in accordance with conscience and virtue. This perspective on free will shapes the ethical framework of Catholic moral theology, emphasizing the role of human responsibility and moral accountability in the pursuit of a life in harmony with divine will.