Philosophical Works · Chapter
XXV explained
This chapter asserts that we must accept all divine revelations, even those that surpass our natural understanding, such as the mysteries of the incarnation and the trinity, and that we should not be surprised to find aspects of God's natur
What happens
This chapter asserts that we must accept all divine revelations, even those that surpass our natural understanding, such as the mysteries of the incarnation and the trinity, and that we should not be surprised to find aspects of God's nature or creation that exceed our comprehension.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the story's dramatic climax because it presents the precise moment of epistemological crisi…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Existence of God
The chapter emphasizes belief in God's revelations, affirming the necessity of faith in divine mysteries beyond human reason.
- Reason and Method
The text highlights the limits of human reason when confronted with divine truths, advocating for acceptance of revelation as a complement to rational inquiry.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Thus, if perhaps God reveal to us or others, matters concerning himself which surpass the natural powers of our mind, such as the mysteries of the incarnation and of the trinity, we will not refuse to believe them, although we may not clearly understand them”
If God reveals truths about himself that are beyond our mental capacity, like the incarnation or the trinity, we should still believe them even if we cannot fully comprehend them.
This paraphrase captures the core argument for accepting divine mysteries on faith.
