What is the notion of predestination and how did it impact New England settlement? How did religion play a crucial role in the lives of New England women?

Answer 1

Those who believe in predestination believe that God determined before they were born whether they'd go to Heaven or Hell.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predestination

Religion governed all aspects of life in the New England settlement. It taught that women were subservient to men.