William Law: 'Nothing hath separated us from God but our own will, or rather our own will is our separation from God.'

Nothing hath separated us from God but our own will, or rather our own will is our separation from God.

The quote by William Law, "Nothing hath separated us from God but our own will, or rather our own will is our separation from God," holds profound meaning and highlights the idea that it is our own choices and actions that creates a divide between ourselves and the divine presence. In a straightforward sense, the quote emphasizes the significance of free will and personal responsibility in determining our spiritual connection.At first glance, this quote may appear simple and straightforward, but when delving deeper, it unravels intricate philosophical concepts concerning the nature of human existence and its relationship with the divine. One such concept is the idea of determinism versus free will.Determinism suggests that everything in the universe, including our choices and actions, is predetermined by a chain of cause and effect, leaving no room for true free will. This view argues that our separation from God is merely a consequence of a predestined course of events, where our will becomes non-existent as it is already determined by external forces.In contrast, the quote by William Law implies that our separation from God is not a result of fate or external circumstances but is solely attributed to our own will. It places emphasis on the role of human agency, suggesting that we actively contribute to our separation from the divine through the choices we make.This concept challenges the deterministic viewpoint and opens up a fascinating discussion on the nature of free will and its effects on our spiritual connection. It invites us to consider the possibility that our actions and decisions are not preordained but rather manifestations of our own volition. In this light, our will becomes the determinative factor that either allows us to experience a harmonious relationship with God or creates a state of separation.If we accept the idea that our will is the key factor in separating us from God, it grants us the power and responsibility to bridge that divide. It highlights the importance of introspection and self-reflection, as we must examine the motivations behind our choices and actions to ascertain whether they align with our spiritual purpose or diverge from it.Moreover, the quote emphasizes the need for conscious awareness of our own will to enable us to make choices that bring us closer to the divine. By recognizing the impact of our own volition, we gain the opportunity to cultivate a greater sense of control and agency over our spiritual journey.In this way, William Law's quote not only sheds light on the separation between humans and God but also presents a profound call to self-awareness and personal accountability. It encourages us to examine our own will, understand its role in shaping our spiritual connection, and strive to align it with the divine.In conclusion, William Law's quote encapsulates the notion that our own will is the primary factor separating us from God. By disregarding external determinism and acknowledging the role of our choices and actions, it empowers us to take responsibility for our spiritual journey. By understanding the impact of our volition, we can consciously steer ourselves towards a closer, more profound connection with the divine.