OldChemE

Some religions, fundamentally, aim to teach moral principles and give guidance on how to live a useful, productive and happy life. Some dress that up with lots of improbable features in order to connect with people who need that sort of thing. One need not believe the improbable to believe in the value.

As iNow says, we are all ruled by chemistry. So, the discussion does indeed depend on how you define the terms. Traditionally free will has been regarded as the ability of an individual to make its own decisions using its own brain. This is still the case. Our decisions may be driven by internal factors rather than rational thought-- but ultimately, our decisions come from within us. And, since our neural connections are driven by our experiences in addition to genetics, we are all to some degree unique. Thus, I would argue we have free will. However, not all would agree with me.

I think my grandfather-- who was a well-educated and thoughtful man, had it worked out.. When my Father graduated from college, my grandfather sent him a handwritten note with the following message: "Wishing you throughout the years, a fullness of happiness, a diligent pursuit of purpose and a life of fruitful accomplishments (June, 1941)

Note the words "entire sequence of the pi number." This demonstrates the statement is false, since the Bible is finite and the number of digits in pi is not.

Really?? https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170411085742.htm Cross-cultural study strengthens link between media violence, aggressive behavior Date: April 11, 2017 Source: Iowa State University Summary: Media violence affects aggressive behavior, compelling evidence demonstrates. This first-of-its-kind study, conducted in seven different countries, confirms six decades of research showing the effect is the same, regardless of culture.

While I am coming very, very late to this thread, I notice the discussion bouncing back and forth on the question of what might be different about the US relative to other countries. How about entertainment?? I haven't researched in detail, but it seems to me that gun toting and shooting are high on the list of prominent TV programs and movies. Much more blood and gore than I recall from my youth. Video games, as well, come to mind (such as "Call of Duty"). Could it be that we have an increasing gun problem in the US also because we are making killing less upsetting? Could it be that we are becoming desensitized to the blood, gore and horror of taking lives? Could this be leading to a change in attitude of people with borderline attitudes being more willing to kill for the fun of it?