Question: Check out John Calvin's doctrine of Predestination in Christianity and see how it might square with Determinism. Perhaps the thinkers of Determinism were Calvinists, and this is how they came up with this philosophy?

Expert answer

When it comes to the question of predestination, there are two schools of thought: Calvinism and Arminianism. Both believe that God has complete control over everything that happens, but they differ on how this control is exercised.

Calvinism, named after the Swiss reformer John Calvin, teaches that God has predestined some people for salvation and others for damnation. This decision is made entirely by God, without any consideration of human choice or action. In other words, God has already decided who will be saved and who will be damned, and nothing we do can change His mind.

Arminianism, named after the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius, teaches that while God does have control over everything, He does not predestine people for salvation or damnation. Instead, He gives everyone the opportunity to choose whether or not they will follow Him. Those who accept His offer of salvation are saved, while those who reject it are damned.

So which view is correct? That’s a matter of debate among Christians, and there are good arguments to be made for both sides. Ultimately, though, it’s up to each individual to decide what they believe.

There are some who believe that Determinism is compatible with Predestination. They argue that since our actions are determined by our past, and since God knows everything about our past, He must also know what we will do in the future. Therefore, He can predestine us for salvation or damnation based on His knowledge of our future actions.

Others, though, argue that Predestination is incompatible with Determinism. They point out that if our actions are truly determined by our past, then there is no such thing as free will. If we don’t have the ability to choose our own actions, then how can we be responsible for them? And if we can’t be responsible for our actions, then how can we be held accountable for our salvation or damnation?

So which view is correct? Again, that’s a matter of debate. But it’s important to remember that, even if Determinism is true, we still have the ability to make choices and act freely. We may not be able to choose our actions, but we can choose how we respond to them. And that is what ultimately matters when it comes to our relationship with God.