The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Culture & Lifestyle›Philosophy›Predestination
Culture & Lifestyle • Philosophy

Predestination

Predestination is a theological doctrine holding that God has already determined the ultimate fate of individuals or events, especially in relation to salvation.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Predestination is a theological doctrine holding that God has already determined the ultimate fate of individuals or events, especially in relation to salvation. It is most closely associated with Christian theology, particularly Calvinism, though related ideas also appear in other religious traditions and in philosophical discussions of determinism.

Definition

Predestination is the view that the outcome of human destiny, especially salvation, has been established in advance by God. In broader theological usage, it can refer to God’s prior determination of all events.

In Christian theology

The doctrine is most often discussed in Christianity, where it is commonly linked to God’s eternal choice of the saved. Different traditions vary on how strongly predestination is connected to divine sovereignty, human freedom, and grace.

Election and reprobation

Some writers distinguish election, meaning the choice of some for salvation, from reprobation, meaning the decision not to save others. These terms are important in Reformed and Calvinist discussions of the doctrine.

Relation to free will

Predestination has long been debated in relation to free will and moral responsibility. Philosophical and theological discussions often ask whether divine foreordination can be reconciled with genuine human choice.

Key facts

  • In Christian theology, predestination commonly refers to God eternally choosing those who will be saved.
  • The doctrine is especially associated with Calvinist traditions, but Augustine and Thomas Aquinas are also cited in its history.
  • Some theological formulations distinguish between election, or choosing the saved, and reprobation, or passing over the non-elect.
  • Predestination is often discussed alongside free will, determinism, fate, and fatalism.
  • The idea also appears in some non-Christian religious traditions, including Islam, according to reference works.

Frequently asked questions

What does predestination mean?
It is the doctrine that God has already determined the fate of individuals or events, especially the destiny of the soul.
Is predestination mainly a Christian idea?
Yes. It is most closely associated with Christian theology, especially Calvinism, though similar ideas appear elsewhere.
How is predestination related to salvation?
In many Christian accounts, it means God has eternally chosen some people for salvation.
What is the difference between predestination and determinism?
Predestination is a theological form of determinism in which God is the determining agent, while determinism is a broader philosophical view about prior causes or necessity.
What are election and reprobation?
Election is the choice of some for salvation, while reprobation is the passing over or condemnation of others in some theological systems.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predestination
    Supports: General definition of predestination as a theological doctrine involving God’s will and the fate of individuals.
  2. Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy — https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/thematic/predestination/v-1
    Supports: Predestination as a religious version of determinism; association with Calvinism, Augustine, Aquinas, and Islam.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/predestination
    Supports: Christian doctrine of God’s eternal choice of those intended to be saved; distinction from determinism and fatalism.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/predestination
    Supports: Predestination as a theological concept in Christianity; historical roots and relation to free will and other religions.
  5. Wikisource — https://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Predestination
    Supports: Historical theological senses including election and reprobation.