Of course, we can’t deny that all people have free will and thus should be responsible for all their actions. It is their desire, their choice and their accountability in the end.
But at the same time, it is vital to remember that our human nature is fallen. That’s why sometimes, even when we tend to act according to Christian values, we fall short. Something disturbs, irritates us and we forget about our good intentions choosing the opposite way. Apostle Paul also noticed this propensity of ours: “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Rom.7:19-20). It means that without God’s grace people are not able to conquer the iniquity that dwells in them.
Therefore, I agree with Fr. Jack Sparks, but only partly. We should remember that without the Lord’s succour we won’t subdue our passions.
