Let me begin by saying, thank you! Thank you, every one, for your responses, likes, and participation. I appreciate it; value your input; and will consider your point of view on the subject.
That being said, this response will be targeted at Lynx for several reasons. *details to follow*
We would need to define terms before a definitive answer could be formed. What does one mean by "destiny?" What is "fate?"
God knows the end from the beginning because God made time and He is not subject to His own creation. That's why He can tell the prophets what will happen before it happens. (That's also why the Bible says at the end of this world time shall be no more - that was quite literal.) However God is also an active God. He does not set our future out and let it run. He is constantly and continuously involved in it. The choices we make can influence where we wind up.
AsifinPassing I saw a reference in the other thread to alternate realities. I gathered you were referring to the kind of parallel dimensions Star Trek uses, where a major choice results in a splitting of the continuum into two, one where the choice was made one way, the other where the choice was made the other way. While it might be fun to imagine another me who chose a different way, I think that would make any decision we have to make moot... because there's another reality where we're making the other decision, so it wouldn't really matter. In fact, if we assume multiple realities then one might argue we have an obligation to make BAD decisions, so the parallel universe versions of us would be free to enjoy the good decisions.
Side note: I'm not sure about this thread title... seems like throwing a chunk of fresh meat in the water to attract the BDF sharks. But I wouldn't at all mind being wrong. Maybe if we whisper they won't hear us in here.
Definition of Terms:
des·ti·ny
ˈdestinē/
noun
[COLOR=#878787 !important][/COLOR]
- the events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future.
[COLOR=#878787 !important]"she was unable to control her own destiny"[/COLOR]
Destiny | Define Destiny at Dictionary.com
https://www.google.com/search?q=des...&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=destiny+etymology
[TABLE="width: 80%, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]
destiny
DESTINY, n.
1. State or condition appointed or predetermined; ultimate fate; as, men are solicitous to know their future destiny, which is however happily concealed from them.2. Invincible necessity; fate; a necessity or fixed order of things established by a divine decree, or by an indissoluble connection of causes and effects.But who can turn the stream of destiny?Destinies, the fates, or supposed powers which preside over himan life, spin it out, and determine it; called by the Latins, parcae.
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
*two links & two pasted definitions for a common point of origin, this is why we have dictionaries*
So, that out of the way..._______________________
I agree. God, being God, is transcendent of the limitations all created things face, and thus existent both without and within creation, such as the construct of time.
I also agree that He is ever-present and active in our lives (which immediately excludes me deism), and exists in each moment throughout the timeline simultaneously, while also apart from it all together (omnipotent, omniscient, & omnipresent).
*on the matter of multiple dimensions/the time-stream (or space-time continuum)*
A few helpful visualizations:
A 'Reecian' quote (*term Reecian referring to originating from me): "
Life is a complex dance of choice & consequence."
I hear what you're saying, but as someone who does not believe in the divine directive of fate or destiny, I see each varying choice in an endlessly complex series (such as a flowchart or tree) of possibilities which define 'reality'. For example, I agree that dwelling on 'what ifs' is a moot point. That being said, in an alternate stream of possibility, Hitler didn't exist or existed differently than how present history remembers him.
(*side-note: One really doesn't think of such things until considering the possibility and consequences of time travel.)
So, that being said, every choice is completely your own to make with a near infinite amount of possibilities, both in the choosing and in the outcome (or consequence) of that choice. No person is 'forced' or 'inescapably bound' to choose anything or arrive at a certain destination. In this regard, 'fate' is nothing more than a title for the series of choices and consequences a person made (the saying 'creating your own destiny' or 'choosing your own fate'). Which, in essence, completely dismantles the concept of 'fate' or 'destiny' in being something chosen for you beyond your control.
Such is the thinking behind the idiom, "We are who we choose to be."
Why does this matter?
Firstly, Each choice one make impacts not only oneself, but the events of time, space, and the history of the world. Hitler is a good example. What if He had found Christ and chosen to forgive? What would the world be like now? Such things should be considered in one's own life and choosing. What is the
best choice for me to make in each situation given my limited knowledge of its far-reaching consequences.
Secondly, your belief on this particular topic (or any other given ideology or philosophy) will shape your words and actions...and even choices (though choices can change, as can thoughts, feelings, actions, etc). So, instead of creating another 'Do you believe in Soul Mates?' thread... I'd rather hear your broader belief about 'destiny' or 'fate'.
Why do I want to know? Maybe I'll find some new truth which will change my views, or someone else will. That, in turn, can change many other things. Besides which, it's just interesting, and helps us try or seek to further understand each other and the world we live in.
*This concludes Response #1 from me.*
