Hello compassion,
…I think it is also possible to act without thought…
Exactly! doing is not dependent on thinking at all and hence the element of will/volition/control is redundant.
I see your view as a corollary(i.e. in egoic state, divine will is seen as free will) than a diversion. And that brings me to my actual question which is nagging me for last few days- if we can’t will/choose, what is the point of making efforts (in spiritual /material world)?
Please share your views on above,
Love
Hello karmic,
I don’t know the best answer - perhaps others can chime in - but I think your question can be tackled from two angles.
First, if you do nothing for long enough, you might convince yourself that you actually do have free will. It depends how determined you are to do nothing. In this lies the beauty of such an illusion, that either can be true.
Second, I think much of the spiritual journey is about surrendering. As such, not making efforts doesn’t sound so bad. But I would argue that, for example, lying in bed all day would require much more effort than helping people, singing, and dancing with joy. The least effort is to follow the heart than to work against it.
This question I am trying to answer myself, so apologies if my answers are not the most thought out as yet 
Hi Compassion,
I think it is important to remember that the standards texts in the Holy Bible were basically chosen by the roman emperor in 325 (council of Nicaea). Originally, there had been seven main “churches” with Rome only being one of the seven. Jesus even said there should be no priests (Rabbi or Father) as one should have a direct and personal relationship with the divine…
Matthew 23: 8-12
8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Because as Jesus said…
Luke 17: 20-21
20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Regarding the translations of the Gospel of Thomas and other early christian texts, the below site has a lot of good informations (and versions).
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/index.html
Best wishes,
Jeff
Thank you Jeff,
It is indeed strange that Christianity exists in its current form. But perhaps for some, it can encourage a personal relationship with the divine that would not have existed without.
Thank you also for the link to early christian texts.
Best wishes