HUMAN NATURE
Prelapsarian freedom
Taken from Genesis 1: 6 Days of Creation.
'Likeness and image of God' - Gives us the ability to share the same nature as God which is to be loving, truthful, merciful and Stewards of his creation.
Individuals were created in a State of perfection, stating we were not capable of doing wrong against God likewise, Genesis points out that nothing exists that God did not create.
Steward of creation
Image - all in the image and likeness of God.
Nothing that exists was not created by God.
Good - Everything God has created is good.
Genesis Chpt.2
Adam and Eve - The Fall.
Destroyed the relationship between God and humanity.
Original sin.
POSTLAPSARIAN TRUE FREEDOM - Through being governed by Caritas (generous love) - Can regain connection with God through true freedom. - Available by Christ's grace. Allows an individual to DILICTATIO VITRIX (conquering delight) -Strengthens the will of those who are elect.)
POSTLAPSARIAN FALSE FREEDOM However some cannot regain the connection as they experience false freedom - Will remain perverse and distorted from God - Ruled by Concupiscence 'Flesh lusts against the spirit refuse grace but delight in material things such as power.
Fitzgerald False freedom is a 'perverse and distorted reflection of true freedom*
Analogy of the root
If a tree has good roots, it bears good fruit, just as how someone with good will, will become the elect.