In theological terms, what does religious determinism imply?

Religious determinism is a philosophical and theological concept that asserts that every event or occurrence in the universe is predetermined by divine will. This means that God or a divine power has established and knows the outcome of all events, including human actions. In this view, individuals may appear to make choices, but those choices are ultimately part of a predetermined plan set forth by a higher power.

This perspective contrasts sharply with the notion of complete randomness or the idea that humans possess total free will, which suggests that individuals can independently shape their destinies without divine influence. It also differs from the notion that social interactions alone dictate one's fate, as religious determinism emphasizes the role of divine orchestration over human relationships and decisions. Thus, the understanding of religious determinism illustrates a belief in a divinely orchestrated universe where everything unfolds according to a predetermined plan.