Predestining: meaning, definitions and examples

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predestining

 

[ ˌprɛdɪˈstɪnɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

philosophy

Predestining refers to the theological doctrine that God has eternally determined the fate of all individuals, specifically regarding their salvation or damnation. This concept is often associated with Calvinist theology, which holds that God exercises sovereignty over all of creation and has a predetermined plan for individuals. The idea suggests that individual choices do not affect the outcome of salvation, and it raises questions about free will and divine justice. Predestining emphasizes the notion that God’s will is supreme and unchangeable, leading to various interpretations among different religious traditions.

Synonyms

foreordaining, predestination, predetermining

Examples of usage

  • The doctrine of predestining creates debates among theologians.
  • Many people struggle with the implications of predestining on free will.
  • Predestining is a central tenet in some sects of Christianity.

Translations

Translations of the word "predestining" in other languages:

🇵🇹 predestinação

🇮🇳 पूर्वनिर्धारित करना

🇩🇪 Vorbestimmung

🇮🇩 predestinasi

🇺🇦 предестинація

🇵🇱 predestynacja

🇯🇵 予定

🇫🇷 prédestination

🇪🇸 predestinación

🇹🇷 önceden belirleme

🇰🇷 예정

🇸🇦 تقدير مسبق

🇨🇿 predestinace

🇸🇰 predestinácia

🇨🇳 预定

🇸🇮 predestinacija

🇮🇸 forvalning

🇰🇿 белгілеу

🇬🇪 წინასწარმეტყველება

🇦🇿 təyin etmə

🇲🇽 predestinación

Word origin

The term 'predestining' originates from the Latin word 'praedestinare,' which means 'to determine beforehand.' The prefix 'prae-' means 'before,' and 'destinare' means 'to determine or establish.' This word transitioned into Middle English as 'predestinen,' carrying over its theological implications. Predestining gained prominence during the Reformation, particularly through the work of John Calvin, whose writings emphasized divine sovereignty and preordination. Over the centuries, the concept has influenced various Christian doctrines, resulting in diverse interpretations and beliefs about human agency and salvation. Predestining remains a controversial topic in contemporary religious discussions, raising questions about morality, free will, and the nature of divine justice.