Predestination

Definition

Predestination is the religious doctrine that asserts that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned, independent of individual actions or choices. This belief was particularly prominent in Calvinism, influencing the development of Protestant thought during the period of the Second Great Awakening. The concept challenged the traditional views of free will and salvation, sparking intense debates among religious groups and contributing to the revivalist movements of the era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Predestination was a central tenet of Calvinist theology, leading to the belief that some people are chosen by God for salvation while others are not.
2. The Second Great Awakening saw a rise in evangelical movements that often challenged predestination, emphasizing personal choice in matters of faith.
3. Many revivalist preachers during this period argued against predestination, promoting the idea that anyone could achieve salvation through faith and repentance.
4. The debate over predestination contributed to divisions within Protestant denominations, as differing views on salvation created tension between groups like Calvinists and Arminians.
5. The concept played a significant role in shaping American religious identity and helped fuel social reform movements by encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their moral choices.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of predestination influence the beliefs of different religious groups during the Second Great Awakening?
  • Predestination significantly influenced religious beliefs by creating a divide between those who accepted Calvinist teachings and those who rejected them. Calvinists held firm to the idea that God's will predetermined salvation, while many revivalists argued for a more inclusive approach where personal faith and choices could lead to salvation. This tension led to heated debates and shaped various denominations' growth as they defined their stance on salvation.
• Analyze how predestination affected the social and moral attitudes of believers during the Second Great Awakening.
  • The belief in predestination instilled a sense of fatalism among some believers, leading them to view their fates as predetermined by divine will. However, this also sparked a counter-movement among revivalists who emphasized personal agency in achieving salvation. The resulting emphasis on individual responsibility encouraged moral reform efforts such as abolitionism and temperance, reflecting a shift in how people understood their roles within society and their relationship with God.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the predestination debate on American Protestantism and its societal implications.
  • The debate over predestination has had lasting effects on American Protestantism by fostering diversity in theological thought. As various groups either embraced or rejected predestination, it led to the establishment of multiple denominations with differing views on salvation. This theological evolution not only shaped religious practices but also influenced broader societal issues, encouraging movements for social justice and personal accountability, thus embedding these values deeply within American culture.

Related terms

Calvinism: A branch of Protestantism founded by John Calvin that emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and predestination.

Arminianism: A theological perspective that opposes strict predestination, emphasizing human free will and the possibility of salvation for all individuals.

Revivalism: A movement within Protestantism characterized by emotional preaching, mass conversions, and a focus on personal faith and piety.