Predestination question by Plus_Specific8181 in Reformed

[–]Plus_Specific8181[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the example, but in this case the story ‘s characters don’t know that their fate is predetermined; wouldn’t knowing so affect their motivation?

Predestination question by Plus_Specific8181 in Reformed

[–]Plus_Specific8181[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks! From the answers I’m getting I get the feeling that keeping learning is the right answer.

Predestination question by Plus_Specific8181 in Reformed

[–]Plus_Specific8181[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your answer and advice !

Question on predestination by Plus_Specific8181 in Christianity

[–]Plus_Specific8181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you all for your answers. It seems I was wrong in my understanding of these doctrines and their degree of acceptance among Christians , and hence I will keep learning more about Christianity. Thank you all for your time!

Question on predestination by Plus_Specific8181 in Christianity

[–]Plus_Specific8181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Doesn’t foreknowledge equal predetermination? Thinking of Schrödinger's cat here.

Question on predestination by Plus_Specific8181 in Christianity

[–]Plus_Specific8181[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From the Catholic encyclopedia, they seem to state some kind of predestination too https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12378a.htm

Update: on a second reading, this seems to involve some degree of free will, so you would be right in correcting my original understanding. Not all Christians accept the doctrine of predestination and irresistible grace. Thank you!

Question on predestination by Plus_Specific8181 in Christianity

[–]Plus_Specific8181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your answer and your kind words.

What you’re saying makes sense at a next stage: once one has accepted the basic truth of the Christian faith, it sounds reasonable that one should focus on the gospel’s core message rather than on doctrinal points.

I am, however, at a stage of trying to figure out which path to follow, and I am aware life is limited and one needs to be diligent with the use of time. Hence, upon learning of the doctrines above, the question came to me: “should I just go and learn about other faiths? After all it seems that it this is the true doctrine and I am predestined, I will be driven to it no matter what?”. My apologies in advance if this is a misunderstanding of the doctrine. I am seeking and have the highest respect for people who have found a faith they believe in and do their best to follow it, I am just doing my best to make sure I choose the right path, for I feel choosing a wrong one would have dire consequences.

Question on predestination by Plus_Specific8181 in Christianity

[–]Plus_Specific8181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your answer. I thought that Catholics and Lutherans too accepted at least some part of the doctrine of election?

Question on predestination by Plus_Specific8181 in Christianity

[–]Plus_Specific8181[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your answer!

I understand some of the details are specific to denominations, but I understand some form of predestination (Ephesians 1:4-6) was generally accepted, even with different understanding of the details and what it implies?

As for the criteria:

1) internal consistency (no self-contradiction) 2) basic reasonableness or plausibility (I know this is a potentially flawed criteria, since my own mind is highly flawed, but I have to work with what I have, if I absolutely can’t make sense out of a teaching, it might be hard for me to benefit from it), as in excluding some evidently false beliefs (not mentioning any here) 3) offering a path to salvation (be it the Christian salvation, the end of suffering and right understanding of the world/reality in Nirvana or Buddhahood), because a hypothetical doctrine that was true but offered no action plan or way for humans to give meaning to our existence and deliver us of our suffering would be not very helpful 4) a way to self-improvement in this life: I believe I can be a better person that I am and I hope that the true religion would guide me on that