Freedom
Freedom is a biological capacity. Instincts are primarily generated in our brain stem. Our midbrain sits on top of our brainstem. It is the central processing center. It is directly connected to every other part of the brain and the central nervous system. The limbic system is wrapped around the midbrain and generates our emotions. Instincts and emotions are our motives. They have evolved during millions of years of evolution, not just of humans, but of all life on earth.
The inner most layer of the Cerebral Cortex is called the Cingulate Cortex. The front part of the Cingulate Cortex, the Anterior Cingulate Cortex, is the part of the brain that compares and decides. It is directly connected to the nearby Broca’s Area, which processes language and the Prefrontal Cortex which processes thinking. The Posterior (rear) Cingulate Cortex and several visual and auditory cortices are the hearing and learning part of the brain.
All natural history is governed by natural law. To a certain extent human consciousness is also governed by natural law. Language is a particular form of natural law that has evolved during millions of years of evolution. We think in our language. These speaking, thinking, comparing and deciding cortices resonate with each other to generate the executive decision-making capacity that has evolved in humans, far beyond the capacity of any animal.
The executive decision-making capacity enables humans to respond to our instincts and emotions voluntarily. It enables human beings to communicate and cooperate in ways far advanced compared to the capacity of any animal. Language is a set of rules, hardwired into our brains. By following the same rules, we can all understand each other. This relatively advanced communications system causes everyone to influence everyone. We learn from each other and grow together.
By following the rules of language, we learn how to think rationally. This voluntary response to our motives is the biological nature of freedom. We have this capacity for speaking, thinking, communicating, understanding and cooperating with each other, all based on the rule of law. In other words, freedom is lawful. We can use that capacity for rational thinking and understanding and awareness of the rule of law for creating civilizations far more advanced than troops of hominins.
We have instinct and emotions in common with animals, only humans have language, rational thinking and voluntary response to our instincts and emotions. The idea God does not exist in the animal kingdom. Faith is a feature of human consciousness that we learn by reading the Word of God.
Self-preservation evolves into self-discipline, which evolves into self-determination. Submission to God is the inner essence of every true religion. Faith is always inherently voluntary. We are all responsible and accountable for ourselves. Selfish ambition is the dark side of human nature. Submission to God is the true nature of freedom.
Freedom is a good thing. It is natural and healthy. Faith is a whole new, supernatural capacity that humans have, which we learn by studying the Word of God. At first the Word of God was transmitted orally. It still is, but these days anyone who wants to, can read the Word of God for themselves. While freedom is a natural capacity that comes from within human biology, faith uses those same language, rational thinking, comparing and deciding cortices to sense external information that transforms individual human beings from wild animals into civilized human beings.