Do you believe in fate/destiny?
Short answer? Yes. As a historian I have read countless versions of fate. About every civilization has done form of fate/ destiny. Theists and well as atheists believe in some force that weaves the universe together. I think this is an undeniable reality.
As a Christian I would go a step further. While many philosophies might hypothesis about some unknown ambiguous concept that pushes us toward a goal, I believe that it has a name. God is the weaver of our tapestry. I know a lot of people do not like that idea, but I find it much more comforting to know that a loving being is guiding me than an impersonal force.
Not only is this weaver a conscious being, He also made me personally with a purpose. That is such a beautiful thing. So many religions out there (and yes atheism is a religion) believe that we are worthless scraps of matter only to live for nothing and die for nothing. God on the other hand, made us unique and with gifts. Every single person has a gift. Gifts to use to bring hope and joy to others.
But I can take this one more step. This Weaver desires to continue this person relationship throughout our entire lives. He didn’t just mold us to watch us play out our lives from a distance. He wants to be up close. He desires to walk and talk with us every day.
So, do I believe in fate? Yes, but I believe He is so much more.
Foster A... 