Here’s another very interesting emailed quote from Andrew Cohen, arguing that the future does not pre-exist.

The Very Edge of the Possible
I am endlessly compelled by the notion that higher stages or levels of development do not preexist, that is, they are not “given” but are literally created by brave individuals who actually venture into new, uncharted territory, laying down “grooves” that others follow, which eventually become actual new structures or stages. The fact that the future, even at the most subtle metaphysical levels, literally does not yet exist challenges our most fundamental spiritual/religious notions in every possible way, but if we’re ready for it, it can be the source of enormous inspiration and promise. I think potentially what’s the most thrilling for the postmodern self is the discovery that we are literally creating the future, which means we are not separate from the creative principle or God-impulse itself — God is evolving as we evolve. And this moment itself, assuming that one is leaning into it with all of one’s being, reaching for the future, is potentially the very edge of the possible.
Andrew Cohen

I would agree, but add a small rider: it depends on your point of view. For example, C.S. Lewis’s view of free-will was that, since God is outside time, “he” is aware of the outcome of all decisions, past and present. For us, however, at the point of choice, we really do have a set of alternatives and the freedom to go either way, again up to the point where necessity takes control.

I like to look at it from a different angle. Modern computers have a facility called “snap to grid”. On certain blank screens there is an invisible grid of small rectangles. This is the technology behind spreadsheets and CadCam design software. As you prepare a worksheet or a drawing, your work automatically “snaps” into the boundaries set by the hidden grid. If you want, you can reveal the grid, or even eliminate it — but if you do your work tends to become rather messy, unless you are an expert.

The analogy is this: when we act with apparent freedom, our acts automatically, and without our being aware of it, snap to a grid prepared for us. As we become more aware, though, we begin to discern the grid. A completely enlightened person can “turn off” the grid and assume spiritual freedom by becoming united with divine purpose. These are the three stages of awareness which cloud the endless debate over free-will versus determinism. The “snap” stage is when we are ignorant of any determining factors on our actions. The beginning of awareness (illumination), is when we can see the grid and accept its purpose. The third level (unitive contemplation) is when we become one with the grid itself. What most people call freedom is just a blind pursuit of a barrage of impulses and whims conditioned by past events and bodily demands. If things work out, this is freedom; if not, that’s servitude. In truth, there is no difference between them. Real freedom is probably quite rare and is predicated upon an ability to rise above internal and external impulses, which rests on the level of awareness attained by the individual.

Awareness is the contemplative’s dimension. Just as a scientist works in time, trying to verify that what happened yesterday will occur again today, the contemplative works in awareness.