destiny
notion that for individuals and/or collective groups (family, peoples, nations, etc) there is a set path for their future. The direction of the path may be externally (God, gods, fate, social conditioning) or internally (genetic inheritance, psychological drives) determined. In the Christian tradition there is tension between affirmation of individual freedom and responsibility on the one hand and divine power and prerogative on the other. Overemphasis on the latter, however deferentially intended, tends to weaken what can be expected of human initiative and effort. By contrast, undue emphasis on the former risks eliminating any direct involvement of God with the direction of an individual's life.
Fundamentally, however, being free to respond in thoughts, words and action is both a precondition and an opportunity without which noone would be able show recognition that life comes to all of us as gift.
See also:
freedom, responsibility