A Prayer for Owen Meany - Fate and Predestination

In the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany, author John Irving focuses on the idea of predestination, which he expresses through the dialogue of his main character Owen Meany.  Owen, a small boy with the belief that he is God's instrument on Earth, is the best friend of narrator Johnny Wheelwright, who the reader later discovered is impacted tremendously by Owen's faith. The idea of predestination is revealed early in the novel when Owen hits a foul baseball ball right into the temple of Tabitha Wheelwright, Johnny's a hot-commodity of a mother, which kills her immediately.  Owen's baseball hit that kills Tabitha makes him believe that he is an instrument of God. Furthermore, Irving reveals through this tragedy the belief that "everything happens for a reason."  This idea of pre-decided faith is something in which Owen strongly believes.  This theme is especially relevant in his own life, as God's plan (in Owen's mind) led him to join the army, which ultimately led to his death.   Owen's upbringing in Church and strong religious faith has fostered his belief that God has predetermined the faith for all human beings.