Fatalism

The better Epicureans were not given to sensual excesses. At least this doctrine helped to deliver the Romans from a more deadly form of fatalism; it taught that men could do something to improve their terrestrial status. 121:4.2

Unbelieving materialists and fatalists can hope to enjoy only two kinds of peace and soul comfort: Either they must be stoics, with steadfast resolution determined to face the inevitable and to endure the worst; or they must be optimists, ever indulging that hope which springs eternal in the human breast, vainly longing for a peace which never really comes. 181:1.7

primitive religion prevented fatalism; they believed they could at least do something to influence fate. 86:7.3

Jesus’ teaching to trust in the overcare of the heavenly Father was not a blind and passive fatalism. 140:8.2

Bible parallels

Passages that the paragraphs cited above parallel, quote or reinterpret, from Duane Faw’s Paramony cross-references. Hover a reference to read it.

• Jesus gives peace to followers 181:1.7 — Jn 14:27a.
• It don't work, don't eat 140:8.2 — 2 Th 3:10.