Predestination

Definition

Predestination is a theological concept that asserts that God has already determined the fate of every individual, particularly concerning their salvation or damnation. This idea suggests that before individuals are even born, their ultimate destinies are predetermined by divine will, which has significant implications in literature, especially in works reflecting on moral choice and divine justice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Predestination was a central theme in Calvinist theology, which argued that God's grace is given to a select few, the 'elect', while others are not chosen for salvation.
2. The concept raises questions about moral responsibility, as it challenges the notion of whether individuals can be held accountable for their actions if their fate is already decided.
3. In literary contexts, predestination often creates tension between characters' desires for agency and the overarching divine plan.
4. Chaucer's works sometimes reflect medieval views on divine justice and human morality, engaging with ideas related to predestination even if they don't explicitly endorse them.
5. Predestination highlights the struggle between faith and doubt, illustrating how characters grapple with their perceived fates and the nature of divine grace.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of predestination influence character development in literature?
  • Predestination influences character development by creating internal conflicts where characters wrestle with their perceived lack of agency. This struggle often leads to deeper explorations of faith, morality, and the human condition. Characters may feel trapped by their destinies, leading to critical moments of reflection or rebellion against what they believe is an inevitable outcome.
• Discuss how Chaucer's works address themes related to predestination and human agency within his narrative style.
  • Chaucer's narrative style often intertwines humor and moral lessons, subtly addressing themes related to predestination. Characters in his tales may encounter situations where their choices seem futile against divine judgment. This interplay allows Chaucer to explore the tension between predestined outcomes and the complexity of human decision-making, suggesting that while some forces may be beyond control, personal accountability remains significant.
• Evaluate the impact of predestination on the portrayal of moral choices in literature during the medieval period.
  • The impact of predestination on moral choices in medieval literature is profound, as it challenges authors to depict characters navigating a world where divine will governs outcomes. This portrayal leads to rich thematic explorations where authors reflect on justice, grace, and human failings. Literature from this era often grapples with reconciling the tension between divine foreknowledge and individual agency, prompting readers to consider their own beliefs about fate and morality.

Related terms

Free Will: The ability of individuals to make choices unconstrained by certain factors, often contrasted with predestination.

Calvinism: A branch of Protestant theology founded by John Calvin that emphasizes the doctrine of predestination as a key aspect of salvation.

Divine Foreknowledge: The belief that God possesses knowledge of all events before they happen, including human choices and destinies.