Destiny VS. Coincidence

Does anyone ever think about this?

My first year in college and my philosophy professor asked us that question and then asked us to write a paper to defend it. That's when my wheels started turning. Until this day I think about the question and how confused I am by my own beliefs. It's weird. I thought I knew what my opinion was in this matter but I remember sitting in that class and realizing "My opinion is quite flawed". In the grand scheme of things does it matter, NO, but I like to think about topics like this.


According to www.dictionary.com:

des·ti·ny   /ˈdɛstəni/ Show Spelled[des-tuh-nee] Show IPA
–noun, plural -nies.
1. something that is to happen or has happened to a particular person or thing; lot or fortune.
2. the predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events.
3. the power or agency that determines the course of events.
4. ( initial capital letter ) this power personified or represented as a goddess.
5. the Destinies, the Fates.

co·in·ci·dence   /koʊˈɪnsɪdəns/ Show Spelled[koh-in-si-duhns] Show IPA
–noun
1. a striking occurrence of two or more events at one time apparently by mere chance: Our meeting in Venice was pure coincidence.
2. the condition or fact of coinciding.
3. an instance of this.


When I read the definitions and discussed it in class, some 14 years ago, I remember sitting in my chair and thinking "all this time, and I don't even know, hmmm". Regardless, I LOVE to explore the discussion :)

I enjoy looking at the topic from a few positions. I would like to look at them bit by bit so I may process and study a little bit more. I don't want to post any analysis ignorantly. Hopefully sometime this week I will post the Christian views.

Please feel free to post your opinions or comments on this subject. Even if your comments are challenging, I welcome it because it makes me learn more about my beliefs.