divine decrees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divine decrees" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing religious or philosophical concepts related to commands or orders believed to be issued by a deity. Example: "The followers of the ancient religion adhered strictly to the divine decrees, believing that their lives were guided by the will of the gods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The movement was named for Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch Reformed theologian of the University of Leiden (1603 09), who became involved in a highly publicized debate with his colleague Franciscus Gomarus, a rigid Calvinist, concerning the Calvinist interpretation of the divine decrees respecting election and reprobation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, Edwards doesn't restrict himself to natural causes in explaining events but also appeals to divine decrees and typology.

SEP

In other words, the law-like relations that we typically think to hold between creaturely natures are actually grounded in divine decrees.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That there is a kind of divine decree.

The Guardian - Books

It's a divine decree: You shall have french fries for dinner.

The New Yorker

"It is like some divine decree, or curse, has fallen on us," she said.

The New York Times

"The society of Islam is ultimately based not upon human volition or upon contract but upon divine decree," Mr. Pagden writes.

The New York Times - Books

In a statement Goldberg's family told Jewishnews that it "accepts the divine decree with love", adding that they would not be giving further statements to the press.

The Guardian

Against this way of thinking, Saʿadia and the Muʿtazilites believed that being good and just or being evil and unjust are intrinsic characteristics of human actions and cannot be changed by divine decree.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the number of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, outside East Jerusalem, has almost doubled in the past dozen years to over 350,000 (Bennett put the number at 400,000), it is because the notion that all the land belongs to Israel by divine decree has been ascendant and compromise increasingly seen as a deficit of faith.

The New York Times

Rights plausibly attributed to divine decree must be very general and abstract (life, liberty, etc).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divine decrees", ensure the context clearly relates to theological or philosophical discussions concerning predetermined fate or divine law. This phrase carries significant religious weight, so use it appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "divine decrees" as a blanket explanation for events without considering other potential causes. Overreliance on this concept can lead to logical fallacies and incomplete analyses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divine decrees" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to commands or pronouncements believed to originate from a divine source, as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divine decrees" is a noun phrase used to describe commands or preordained outcomes believed to originate from a divine source. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, though relatively rare in usage. Its primary function is to explain events or justify actions by attributing them to a higher power, and it carries a formal, theological register, most commonly found in encyclopedias, science, and news media. Understanding the context and connotations of "divine decrees" is crucial for its appropriate and effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laws of God

Synonymous with divine laws, highlighting the authoritative source.

divine will

Focuses on the intention or desire of a deity, rather than a specific command.

will of Heaven

Emphasizes the overarching plan and purpose of the divine.

divine providence

Emphasizes God's intervention and guidance in the world.

heavenly mandates

Similar to divine decrees, but may imply a broader scope of influence or authority.

predestination

Focuses on the concept that all events have been preordained by a divine being.

sacred orders

Highlights the holiness and authority behind the commands.

God's commandments

Refers specifically to commands given by God, often in a religious context.

religious laws

More general term encompassing rules and regulations within a religion.

cosmic laws

Broader term that includes natural and moral laws governing the universe.

FAQs

How can I use "divine decrees" in a sentence?

You can use "divine decrees" to refer to commands or predetermined outcomes believed to be established by a deity. For example, "Many believed their fate was determined by "divine decrees"".

What phrases are similar to "divine decrees"?

Alternatives include "divine will", "heavenly mandates", or "sacred orders", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "divine decrees" a formal or informal term?

"Divine decrees" is generally considered a formal term, often used in theological or philosophical contexts. It's less common in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between "divine decrees" and "religious laws"?

"Divine decrees" typically refer to specific commands or predetermined outcomes, whereas "religious laws" encompass a broader set of rules and regulations within a religious system.