Predestination

Definition

Predestination is a theological concept that suggests God has already determined the fate of every individual, deciding who will achieve salvation and who will not, regardless of personal actions or decisions. This idea is central to Calvinist beliefs within the Puritan tradition, influencing both their worldview and literary expressions, often focusing on themes of divine judgment and human unworthiness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Predestination became a key doctrine during the Reformation, significantly shaping Puritan beliefs about salvation and divine sovereignty.
2. Puritans believed that understanding predestination was crucial to living a righteous life, as it instilled a sense of moral seriousness and urgency in their faith.
3. In literature, themes of predestination often reflect inner turmoil and existential questions about one's fate, emphasizing human struggle against a predetermined divine plan.
4. Jonathan Edwards used the concept of predestination in his sermons to evoke fear and encourage repentance among his listeners, illustrating the consequences of being outside God's grace.
5. Anne Bradstreet's poetry frequently wrestles with the implications of predestination, showcasing her personal struggles with faith and her desire for assurance in her salvation.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of predestination influence the Puritan understanding of morality and personal conduct?
  • The concept of predestination greatly influenced Puritan views on morality by instilling a belief that one's actions were indicative of their spiritual state. Since they believed that God had already chosen who would be saved, Puritans felt compelled to live righteously to demonstrate their election. This led to an emphasis on hard work, piety, and community standards as reflections of one’s status before God.
• In what ways did Jonathan Edwards incorporate the idea of predestination into his sermons to affect his congregation's beliefs?
  • Jonathan Edwards utilized the idea of predestination in his sermons by stressing the terrifying possibility of being damned despite outward appearances of piety. He depicted God as a sovereign force who could unilaterally choose who would receive grace. This led to heightened emotional responses from congregants, as they were urged to examine their own faith deeply and consider their standing before an all-knowing God.
• Evaluate how Anne Bradstreet's exploration of predestination in her poetry reflects her internal conflict between faith and doubt.
  • Anne Bradstreet's poetry often reveals her deep internal conflict regarding predestination and its implications for her faith. While she grapples with feelings of unworthiness and uncertainty about her salvation, she simultaneously expresses a longing for divine grace and assurance. Her work illustrates the tension between accepting God's sovereign will and yearning for personal validation, making her exploration relatable to others facing similar struggles within the Puritan framework.

Related terms

Calvinism:

A branch of Protestantism founded by John Calvin, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and predestination as a means of understanding salvation.

Grace:

The unmerited favor of God bestowed upon individuals, allowing them to be saved despite their inherent sinfulness, often tied to the doctrine of predestination.

Election: The act of God choosing certain individuals for salvation, an essential aspect of the predestination doctrine that underscores God's sovereignty and grace.