The word "predestinarianism" refers to the doctrine of predestination or the belief that our fate is predetermined by a divine power. The correct spelling of this word is /priːˌdɛstɪˈnɛərɪənɪz(ə)m/. The first part of the word "pre-" means "before", and "destinarianism" refers to the belief in destiny or fate. The "i-a-n" ending suggests that it is a noun, and the "-ism" ending indicates a belief or ideology. Overall, the spelling of "predestinarianism" may look complicated, but its pronunciation is straightforward if you know the IPA phonetic transcription.
Predestinarianism is a theological doctrine that asserts the belief in predestination – the idea that human destinies, particularly in regard to salvation, are determined by a divine power or force in advance. It is a concept closely associated with certain religious traditions, such as Calvinism within Protestant Christianity, but can be found in other religious systems as well.
In the specific context of Calvinism, predestinarianism specifically refers to the belief in double predestination. This means that God, in His divine sovereignty, has preordained both those who will be saved and those who will be damned, an idea that many find contentious. According to this perspective, salvation is not the result of human choice or free will but is predetermined by God Himself.
Predestinarianism raises profound philosophical and theological questions about human agency, morality, and the nature of God. It has sparked extensive debates among theologians, philosophers, and religious scholars throughout history. Some argue that predestinarianism undermines human responsibility, while others maintain that it emphasizes God's absolute power and sovereignty.
It is important to note that predestinarianism may not be universally accepted within all religious communities, and there are diverse interpretations and positions regarding predestination within religious traditions. Nonetheless, its influence has been considerable, shaping religious beliefs and contributing to broader discussions on divine providence, free will, and the nature of God's relationship with creation.
The system or doctrines of the predestinarians.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "predestinarianism" is derived from the combination of two terms: "predestination" and the suffix "-ism".
The term "predestination" can be traced back to the Latin word "praedestinatio", which is composed of "prae" (meaning "before") and "destinare" (meaning "to determine" or "to appoint"). In Christian theology, "predestination" refers to the belief that God has already determined the fate or destiny of individuals, especially in the context of salvation.
The suffix "-ism" is commonly used in English to form nouns indicating a belief system, ideology, or practice derived from a particular root word. In the case of "predestinarianism", the suffix is added to "predestination" to form a noun describing the belief or doctrine of predestination.