Full Idea
There is no doubt that the notion of a free will found almost universal acceptance owing to the influence of Christianity.
Gist of Idea
The idea of free will achieved universal acceptance because of Christianity
Source
Michael Frede (A Free Will [1997], 07)
Book Reference
Frede,Michael: 'A Free Will' [Univ of California 2011], p.103
A Reaction
This is presumably because a free will not only elevates us above the animals, qualifying us for immortality, but also gives us absolute and ultimate responsibility for our lives, which thus justifies either salvation or damnation.