A Dualistic Perspective
Predestination has long been a topic of theological debate across various world religions. The question often posed is whether the concept of predestination implies that the Divine is unjust—selecting certain souls for salvation while condemning others—or if there exists a more profound understanding that reconciles these concerns. This exploration leads us to a dualistic interpretation of existence, as espoused by faiths such as Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Gnosticism, and Catharism, which present the notion of two fundamentally different types of spiritual energy: Light and Dark.
Light and Dark: A Dualistic Framework
In the dualistic frameworks of these faiths, the universe is often seen as a battleground between the forces of good, represented by Light, and the forces of evil, represented by Dark. Light energy embodies goodness, virtue, and a tendency toward benevolence, while Dark energy inclines toward malice, deceit, and cruelty. The implications of this dichotomy extend to our understanding of human nature and moral choice, posing the question of how these opposing forces interact within our lives.
The belief in this duality suggests that our world is not entirely under the control of a benevolent Deity. Instead, it is seen as a realm influenced by malevolent forces, sometimes personified as Satan or dark entities that can manipulate and corrupt the souls of individuals. This concept is notably articulated in Christian scripture, where Satan is referred to as “the Prince of the Power of the Air,” implying a pervasive influence that can distort the choices and paths of human beings.
The Journey of the Light Souls
Even those souls deemed fundamentally aligned with Light can stray from their true nature. Historical and scriptural examples, such as the transformation of Saul into Paul, illustrate how a Light soul may succumb to the influences of Darkness, only to later recognise their missteps and repent. This notion of repentance is crucial; it reflects the intrinsic nature of Light souls, which is to return to their virtuous path when they come to terms with their errors. The capacity for redemption is embedded within their character, affirming that the essence of good is resilient even amidst corruption.
Conversely, individuals characterised by what is known as the Dark Tetrad—traits such as sadism, narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—exemplify the opposite end of this spiritual spectrum. Research indicates that many antisocial individuals are aware of their harmful actions yet feel no remorse or desire for change. Their very nature precludes repentance, as they derive pleasure from their malevolent acts, making them fundamentally incompatible with the Light.
The Inevitability of Separation
The dualistic view of predestination may suggest that rather than being arbitrary or unfair, the Divine orchestrates a natural process of separation between Light and Dark. This separation is not merely punitive; it serves a higher purpose of establishing an environment where good can thrive free from the corrupting influence of evil. In this context, predestination transforms from a doctrine of divine favouritism to a process of necessary separation, akin to the way oil and water do not mix.
This eventual separation also extends to the source of Darkness itself—known to humanity as the Devil and his associated demons. Many religious texts and historical accounts, such as those of Father Gabrielle Amorth and M. Scott Peck, elaborate on the character of these dark entities, supporting the idea that they embody an intrinsic nature that is perpetually at odds with the Light.
The concept of predestination can be reframed through the lens of dualism as a process of distinguishing between two incompatible natures—Light and Dark. Rather than viewing the Divine as unfair in its selection of souls, one might understand predestination as the natural outcome of the intrinsic differences between these two spiritual energies. In this light, the journey of souls through this world can be seen as a complex interplay of influence, choice, and ultimately, the inevitable return to one’s true essence. As humanity continues to grapple with the implications of predestination, this dualistic perspective offers a compelling framework for understanding the complexities of good and evil in our spiritual journeys.


