Since the beginning of time humanity has tried to explain the reasons behind certain unknown or unexplainable events-- often citing destiny or divine intervention as causes. The Christian Bible itself gives no direct comment on destiny, however there have still emerged a multitude of doctrinal beliefs addressing the topic. The theological perspectives of Calvinism and Arminianism are perhaps the most popular and polarizing of these doctrines among religious scholars and believers today. Both of these beliefs are closely related to one another-- often times they are rooted in the same scriptures-- yet they remain incredibly distinct in their own specific beliefs on the fundamental attributes of God. By exploring the similarities and differences of these two doctrines, we are better able to understand and appreciate the cultural identity created through faith, and acknowledge how the past, present, and potential future are affected by how we accept and perceive our own beliefs.
My desire to research perspectives on destiny within Christianity first came about through my previous research essay done in Honors 101, in which I explored the differences between Christian and Islamic soteriology (beliefs on salvation) and the importance of understanding these concepts in an increasingly atheistic world. This research on salvation inevitably lead into other religious disciplines that I was previously unaware of-- mainly eschatology (a religion’s beliefs on death, the afterlife, and the fate of humanity in the end of days). As an individual who grew up in a protestant church, I knew much of the Christian view on this, but quickly realized I knew little of the nuance which surrounded the debate over destiny and free-will amidst Christian soteriological and eschatological perspectives. Free-will theology and its counterpart of predestination revolve around such philosophical questions of whether a person's life is pre-planned by God, partly planned by God, or left completely up to the individual’s decisions-- which ultimately affect both their salvation and their eternal state. When researching my Honors 101 essay, one of the main passages of scripture that stuck out to me regarding predestination and free-will theology was Romans 8:28-30.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (emphasis added)
This passage is problematic to me, mostly because of its word choice. What is Paul implying by his use of the word predestine within this passage? What else does the Christian Bible say about predestination? If God has already predestined everything, then is there really any such thing as ‘free-will’, or is it all just guidelines, or masked actions being controlled by some greater destiny? If we are all predestined, how does it affect the sovereignty and character of God? These questions are simply the smaller inquiries that make up the building blocks of a larger study on the world's most practiced religion. How have these ideas of destiny within Christian beliefs affected culture and politics around the world? How are these impacts still being felt today as society realigns itself towards an increasingly secular mindset?
With such complexities in mind, it has been my intention to study the different views on Christian predestination and free-will theology. Through a research essay, I aim to compare and contrast the two main doctrines regarding these theological perspectives-- Calvinism and Arminianism. The structure of this essay would be as follows: 1. A brief introduction to the major differences between Calvinism and Arminianism, 2. A closer look into the traditional Calvinist perspective 3. A closer look at the traditional Arminian perspective, 4. A nuanced analysis of how these views have changed over time and their effects on culture, 5. An overall comparative look at these two viewpoints, their successive tenets, and their continued relevance today and, 6. My personal insights, realizations, and concluding remarks on research. Potential sources for this research include scholarly articles giving commentary on the interpretation of scripture within the Christian Bible, the Christian Bible itself, artistic and cultural interpretations of predestination, and interviews/journals by accredited leaders of local churches (important to gauge current popular sentiment).
What are the major differences between the Calvinist and Arminian views? How have these beliefs changed over time? What interpretations come straight from the Bible itself, and what opinions have become intertwined like folklore? What effects have these beliefs had on individuals, other groups within context, and society as a whole? Do Calvinists and Arminians have different interpretations of what Paul means when he uses the terms “foreknew” and “predestined”? When Paul speaks of some believers having a “calling”, is this specifically associated with predestination, or a separate belief altogether? These are all questions which I will try to answer through my research. Answering these questions is important... not only due to my personal background and beliefs, but because knowing the answers to these questions allows us all to achieve greater perspective for others’ views-- leading to more tolerance and understanding for those things which we don’t understand.
There are many different academic disciplines which can be applied to this topic, other than the obvious overarching academic viewpoint of religion and Christian Biblical scholarship. Firstly, history has recorded these beliefs and their effects on culture throughout time, and even modern sentiments can be traced back to some of these beliefs. Thus, a global viewpoint of history is necessary when looking at this topic, along with the more specific view of religious history. By taking an in depth look into the historical developments surrounding each doctrine, we are better able to understand the relationship these events may have had on forming and reshaping doctrinal tenets over time. Likewise, we are also able to note instances in which each doctrine itself may have impacted history in some way-- be it positive or negative.
Secondly, looking at the topic of free-will theology and predestination through a sociological lens, we can better understand how certain cultures created and interacted with these beliefs. Through the analysis of these cultural interactions, we bring to light what kind of societal structures have been built by these opposing doctrines. These insights help answer our fundamental questions of how these beliefs were formed, changed, and continue to morph within the twenty-first century.
As a student who nearly went to seminary, my knowledge, openness, and curiosity towards my faith and that of others has made this the perfect project for me. Additionally, my strong background in history allows for increased curiosity and drive to succeed from an analytical standpoint, something which I will need in order to stay objective. I remain exuberant in presenting to share my research on how destiny is perceived within Christianity, and continue to learn more about my own beliefs in the process.
Holy Bible: New International Version. Zondervan, 2018.