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...... Because of the fact that both major and Eastern and Western religions make use of the concept of free will so logically, one can conclude that a belief in free will both exists and is necessary for systems of rewards and punishments in various religions. Those who believe in fatalism, or that ones destiny creates them, believe in fatalism, that what will happen is destined to happen. Aristotle even argued this point, suggesting that everything happens out of necessity, and meaning that one cannot prevent from happening what fate has already decided will happen (Rice 2006). Fatalists will argue that humans are not powerful enough to change the course of fate and that everyone is a part of an intricate plan. The Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu would most likely respond to this argument by agreeing that all are part of an intricate, and perhaps cyclical, system, but would suggest that our progression in that system depends upon our deeds, our choices, and that this can be proven by the system of punishments and rewards offered by most religions in order to motivate their followers, a system that would be nullified if one did not have the ability to choose

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