Predestination

Definition

Predestination is the theological doctrine that asserts that God has already determined the fate of every individual, including their salvation or damnation, prior to their birth. This concept plays a significant role in Christian theology, particularly within Protestantism, and raises questions about free will, divine justice, and the nature of God's grace.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Paradise Lost', Milton grapples with the concept of predestination, presenting it alongside themes of free will and divine justice as Adam and Eve navigate their choices.
2. The poem emphasizes that although God knows the outcome of human actions, individuals still possess the ability to choose between good and evil.
3. Predestination is linked to the idea that God's omniscience does not negate human responsibility; rather, it highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and personal choice.
4. Milton’s portrayal of predestination raises questions about the nature of God's mercy and justice, especially in relation to Satan's fall and humanity's fate.
5. The depiction of Adam and Eve's decisions serves as a critical exploration of how predestination interacts with themes of temptation, sin, and redemption.

Review Questions

• How does Milton’s portrayal of predestination in 'Paradise Lost' reflect the tension between divine foreknowledge and human free will?
  • Milton presents predestination as a complex interplay between God's omniscience and human agency. While God knows the outcomes of human choices, Milton emphasizes that Adam and Eve still have the capacity to make their own decisions. This reflects a central tension where God's predetermined plan does not eliminate individual responsibility for moral choices, showcasing a balance between divine authority and personal freedom.
• Discuss how the concept of predestination impacts the themes of temptation and sin in 'Paradise Lost'.
  • The concept of predestination shapes how temptation and sin are understood in 'Paradise Lost'. Milton illustrates that while God has foreseen humanity's fall, this knowledge does not diminish the weight of Adam and Eve's choices. The narrative shows that their succumbing to temptation is a pivotal moment that not only fulfills God's plan but also highlights the seriousness of their free will in rejecting or embracing divine guidance.
• Evaluate the implications of predestination on the understanding of God's justice in 'Paradise Lost' compared to traditional views.
  • Milton's treatment of predestination invites readers to reconsider traditional notions of divine justice. By presenting a God who foreknows but allows for human choice, Milton suggests that justice is rooted in accountability rather than mere fate. This perspective compels readers to grapple with how God's omnipotence intersects with moral responsibility, challenging them to reflect on whether God's predetermined plan aligns with concepts of fairness and mercy in light of humanity's actions.

Related terms

Original Sin: The doctrine stating that all humans inherit a fallen state due to Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, impacting their relationship with God.

Election: The act of God choosing certain individuals for salvation, often discussed in conjunction with predestination, highlighting the divine selection process.

Grace: The unmerited favor and love of God toward humanity, often seen as essential for salvation and closely related to concepts of predestination.