Will, Bondage Of

Abstract

The phrase “bondage of the will” was coined by Martin Luther in his debate with Erasmus of Rotterdam in 1525. Luther’s elaboration of the phrase is theological rather than philosophical, elucidating his basic conviction of justification by faith. Later Lutheran teaching on the will affirms its qualified freedom in human affairs and denies the will’s ability to contribute to salvation. Anglican and Reformed confessional texts teach in a similar fashion. John Calvin takes over Luther’s view of bondage and develops it into a systematic topic that is related to Calvin’s overall view of divine election and predestination. The Canons of Dort affirm Calvin’s doctrine in a strict manner. While Calvinism and Molinism evaluate human bondage differently, both early modern currents interact insofar as they develop complex philosophical theologies that affirm both divine foreknowledge and human responsibility.