What does the Rambam call free will in relation to Torah?
Free will is not peripheral — it is THE pillar. Without it, the entire structure of commandments, reward, punishment, and Teshuvah collapses.
Question 2
What does the Rambam say about people who believe their character is determined by the stars?
The Rambam is blunt: those who think stars or fate determine character are "fools among the gentiles and undeveloped among Israel." This view is incompatible with Torah.
Question 3
How does the Rambam resolve the paradox of God's foreknowledge vs. free will?
The Rambam acknowledges the paradox honestly: God's knowledge is not like human knowledge. We cannot fully comprehend how both are true — but both are. It's a limit of human cognition, not a real contradiction.
Question 4
Can a person be born with a nature that forces them to sin?
The Rambam rules clearly: God does not decree that anyone will be wicked. Every person can always choose good. No one is born trapped.
Question 5
Why does free will logically require that God's commands make sense?
If God commanded "choose good" and you had no genuine ability to choose — that would be an unjust command. The existence of Torah's commandments itself proves free will is real.