Definition

Noun: - The belief or doctrine of predestinarians: This refers to the theological belief that all events, particularly regarding the eternal fate of individuals (salvation or damnation), are unalterably predetermined by a divine power or decree.

Usage

Predestinarianism is a formal term used in theological and philosophical discussions. It denotes a specific system of belief within certain religious traditions, most notably in some branches of Christianity, which holds that God has eternally chosen who will be saved.

Examples

• The minister's sermons were deeply influenced by predestinarianism, focusing on God's sovereign choice.
• A debate arose between theologians advocating free will and those defending predestinarianism.
• His study focused on the history of predestinarianism in early Protestant thought.

Advanced Usage

• Theological Context: In academic theology, predestinarianism is often contrasted with doctrines of conditional election or Arminianism, which emphasize human free will in response to divine grace.
• Philosophical Context: The concept can extend beyond theology into philosophical discussions on determinism and free will.

Variants and Related Words

• Predestinarian (noun/adjective): A person who believes in or adheres to the doctrine of predestination. Also used as an adjective (e.g., predestinarian theology).
• Predestination (noun): The broader concept or event of being predestined; the divine foreordaining of all that will happen.
• Determinism (noun): A related philosophical doctrine that all events, including human action, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will.

Synonyms

• Doctrine of predestination
• Theological determinism (in specific contexts)
• Divine decree

Notes

Predestinarianism is a specific, formal term for the belief system itself. It is less commonly used in everyday language than the more general term "predestination."

Noun

1. the belief or doctrine of predestinarians