Religious Ideas about Destiny
Religions have always been very interested in the question of destiny. Some religions believe that humans are born with a predetermined path in life, while others allow for some degree of free will within a pre-determined framework.
Predestination and Free Will
In Islam, for example, there is a concept known as "qadha' wa qadr," which refers to the idea that everything that happens - including one's fate, destiny, and life circumstances - has already been ordained by Allah from the beginning of time. This means that what happens in a person's life is a result of their actions and choices, but also because God has chosen it. This creates an interesting dynamic when it comes to choosing a sexual partner, since one might wonder if they have control over who they choose or if it was already determined beforehand.
Hinduism
In Hinduism, there are several schools of thought regarding reincarnation and karma. One such belief states that a person's past lives influence their current life, including their relationships and partners. The concept of "karma" dictates that every action (good or bad) leads to consequences, so one may experience the results of previous actions in this lifetime, either positively or negatively. This can lead to some people feeling that they were meant to be with someone based on past deeds, rather than choice.
Christianity
Christianity teaches that individuals have freedom to make choices and decisions in life, but that these decisions ultimately serve God's plan and purpose. In terms of sexuality, Christians believe that sex should only occur between married couples, and that marriage is a covenant between two people for life.
Many Christians also acknowledge that sexual attraction is a powerful force and that humans do not always act according to what they know to be right.
Buddhism
Buddhism teaches that everything is impermanent and interconnected, which includes relationships and intimacy. Many Buddhists believe that our destiny is shaped by both our own actions and the actions of others around us. This means that who we end up with romantically may be partially influenced by our past experiences and interactions with others. At the same time, however, there is an emphasis on detachment from attachment, meaning that we should not get too attached to any particular outcome or relationship.
Religious ideas about destiny can influence how people view and approach sexual partner selection. While some religions emphasize predestination and fate, others allow for more agency and free will when it comes to choosing a mate.
Each person must decide for themselves how much weight to give to these belief systems and how much control they feel over their own lives.