OK 2b Luddite?

[Joseph Tracy]

> [Original Message]
> From: Paul Mackin <paul.mackin at verizon.net>
> To: <pynchon-l at waste.org>
> Date: 10/19/2004 11:36:48 AM
> Subject: Re: OK 2b Luddite?
>
some remarkable consistencies in his writing and one
> > is an attempt to set the historic record straight, or properly
> > crooked. An accurate historical account which works hard to include
> > and respect the "preterite"( I don't know why he chooses this term and
> > am not that crazy about it*) , the marginal,  the outsiders and losers
> > in historic conflicts is perhaps the most consistent aspect of what he
> > does in both fiction and non-fiction.  
> > The dictionary defines the word to mean past but Pynchon seems to use
> > it to mean lost or mrginalized the objects rather than the makers of
> > history.  I would love to hear others insights on this odd use of the
> > word.
> >  
>
> Pynchon appropriated the grammatical and general term "preterite"
> meaning past or past tense to apply to the poor and wretched of the
> earth, by analogy with those who are passed over, not Elected for
> Salvation, under the theological doctrine of Preterition.
>
I sort of deduced something like that but am confused, because despite a
pretty good familiarity with theological language, I am un familiar with
the term Preterition. I know the term perdition, meaning lost, but it's a
different root word. Is Preterition a Calvinist term? any more info on the
history?