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Predestination facts for kids

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Juan de la Abadía, 'The Elder' - Saint Michael Weighing Souls - Google Art Project
Juan de la Abadía el Viejo painted Saint Michael Weighing Souls.
Stefan Lochner - Last Judgement - circa 1435
Stefan Lochner's Last Judgement from around 1435. It is in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Cologne.

Predestination is a religious idea. It explores the connection between God and everything He created. This idea is different from other thoughts about determinism (things being decided) and free will (making your own choices).

People who believe in predestination, like John Calvin, think that before the world was even made, God already decided everything that would happen. This includes the future of the entire universe. They believe God chose some people to go to Heaven and others to Hell, even before they were born.

In simple terms, predestination means God knows and decides all that will happen. This idea often talks about who will be saved (go to Heaven) and who will not. Important thinkers like St. Augustine and John Calvin are linked to this belief.

Predestination in Different Religions

Hinduism and Free Will

In Hinduism, predestination is not a main idea. Most followers believe in karma. Karma means your actions in this life affect your future. This idea is closely linked to free will, meaning you choose your own actions.

However, one Hindu school, called Dvaita Vaishnavism, has a similar idea. The philosopher Madhvacharya taught something like predestination.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Predestinación para niños

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