OK 2b Luddite?

[Paul Mackin]

On Tue, 2004-10-19 at 14:09, Joseph Tracy wrote:
> 
> > [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?
> 

Oddly the Encylopaedia Britannica turns up blank on "preterition."

But yes, a Calvinist term, an important part of the doctrine of
predestination and double predestination.

Augustine (also Aquinas) held for a mild form of preterition, or the
passing over of the non-elect, as something following logically from the
doctrine of Election. Others both before and after the Reformation put
more emphasis than Augustine did on the preordained damnation side of
the equation. Double Predestination. This gets into the question of God
willing sin so would likely be considered heretical down through the
ages.  This is what must have attracted Pynchon.

Predestination is closely related to the Calvinist doctrine that
Salvation is obtained not by good works but by Faith and Grace alone.
The Elect don't have to be good and often aren't. A natural for turning
things on their head.

Also associated with Luther and Dutch Reformed.