Destined VS Predestined

[eh7]

Are there any differences between destined and predestined?

 

[UMP]

Are there any differences between destined and predestined?

From the dictionary,

Destined:
1.To determine beforehand; preordain:

Predestined:
1. To fix upon, decide, or decree in advance; foreordain.
2. To foreordain or elect by divine will or decree.

I can't see that the dictionary makes much of a distinction between the two, other than adding "a divine decree" regarding "predestined"

 

[woobadooba]

Are there any differences between destined and predestined?

I see a difference in that when we say that one is destined to do something we usually say this because that person manifests some characteristic which discloses a natural talent for that 'something', whatever it is. Hence, this term is of a humanistic origin.

For, it is the talent itself that determines that person's destiny.

However, if a person is predestined for something, then it has nothing to do with that person's ability to do something exceptionally well naturalistically, but it has to do with a higher power (God), who made that person for that purpose. Hence, this term is of a divine origin.

Of course, there is a difference between making people for a purpose and making them fulfill a purpose that they wouldn't choose otherwise.

And this is where I disagree with Calvin. I believe that God made us all for the same purpose, to love and honor Him, but at the same time to enjoy His presence. But Calvin believed that God only made some for this purpose, while others were made for damnation.