Predestination

Definition

Predestination is the theological doctrine that asserts that God has eternally chosen certain individuals for salvation, while others are destined for damnation. This concept was central to the beliefs of Puritan society, profoundly influencing their understanding of faith, morality, and daily life. The notion of predestination provided a framework through which Puritans viewed their relationship with God and their role in a divinely ordained plan, shaping their community's values and practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Predestination was a key belief among Puritans and rooted in Calvinist theology, emphasizing God's sovereignty in determining who would be saved.
2. The concept created a sense of anxiety and moral rigor within Puritan communities, as individuals sought signs of their election through piety and good works.
3. Puritans believed that although they could not know if they were among the elect, they could live virtuous lives as evidence of their faith.
4. Predestination led to a communal culture where people supported one another in striving for moral living to reflect their possible status as the elect.
5. The doctrine influenced various aspects of Puritan life, including education, governance, and social relations, often leading to a focus on conformity and community accountability.

Review Questions

• How did the belief in predestination shape the moral and ethical behavior of individuals within Puritan society?
  • The belief in predestination profoundly influenced moral and ethical behavior among Puritans by instilling a sense of urgency to demonstrate one's faith through good works. Since individuals could not be certain of their election, they were motivated to lead virtuous lives and engage in acts of piety as potential signs of being among the elect. This focus on visible morality not only reinforced individual behavior but also fostered a communal atmosphere where members held each other accountable for upholding these values.
• Discuss the implications of predestination on social structures and community interactions in Puritan society.
  • Predestination had significant implications for social structures and community interactions within Puritan society. The emphasis on being part of the elect created a stratified community where moral uprightness was paramount. This belief encouraged close-knit relationships among members who supported one another in striving for visible signs of faith. Social interactions were often guided by mutual accountability and an expectation that individuals would uphold the collective moral standards reflective of their potential status before God.
• Evaluate how the doctrine of predestination contributed to the development of educational and governance systems in Puritan communities.
  • The doctrine of predestination played a crucial role in shaping educational and governance systems in Puritan communities by prioritizing moral instruction and civic responsibility. Education was viewed as essential for understanding scripture and fostering a virtuous populace capable of discerning signs of God's grace. Governance often reflected these values, with laws and regulations aimed at promoting public morality aligned with their beliefs about salvation. As such, both education and governance became tools for ensuring that the community lived in accordance with their interpretation of God's will, reinforcing their commitment to a predestined order.

Related terms

Elect: The individuals whom God has chosen for salvation, as per the doctrine of predestination, often viewed with a sense of assurance and privilege within Puritan society.

Total Depravity:

A theological concept stemming from Calvinism that suggests that as a result of original sin, humanity is completely unable to choose to follow God without divine intervention.

Grace: The unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity, which, according to predestination, is bestowed on the elect for salvation.