Possibility of Supernatural Revelation in General and Especially of the Revelation of the Natural Truths of Religion

Section III.—Defence of Supernatural Revelation and its Necessity

Chapter X.—Possibility of Supernatural Revelation in General and Especially of the Revelation of the Natural Truths of Religion

Art. I.—Possibility of Immediate Revelation.

It may seem that surely there is no necessity for supernatural revelation in regard to truths which reason can discover, and that to discuss the possibility of such revelation is superfluous. Later it will be seen that there is a moral necessity for the revelation even of the natural truths of Religion in order (to use the words of the Vatican Council) that they may be known “by all, quickly, with certitude and with no admixture of error.”

The possibility of Immediate Revelation is proved by reason.

Revelation, as already indicated, is “formal Divine magisterial instruction given objectively through the supernatural statement of a truth, and subjectively by the infusion of supernatural light, whereby infallible judgment may be made concerning the truth divinely proposed.”

The possibility of the supernatural revelation of the Natural Truths of Religion may be set forth in the following syllogism:

Major: An action which is not repugnant from the point of view of object, subject or agent is possible from the standpoint of reason.

Minor: But supernatural revelation of the natural truths of Religion is not repugnant in any of these respects.

Conclusion: Therefore supernatural revelation of the natural truths of Religion is possible from the standpoint of reason.

Proof of Minor proposition:

1° From the standpoint of object.

Truths may be discovered by reason or may be taught by one who knows them. The truths themselves are indifferent to either mode of cognition.

2° From the standpoint of the subject.

If man is taught by man, why should it be impossible to receive Divine instruction? The autonomy of reason offers no objection, for such autonomy is relative not absolute. Subordination to infallible truth is not servitude but honour. “If you continue in my word … the truth shall make you free” (John viii. 31, 32). Just as sensitive faculties are directed by the rational, why should it be impossible for the rational to be directed by Divine Revelation?

3° From the Divine standpoint.

No legitimate objection arises from the fact that supernatural revelation is miraculous. When God intervenes in human affairs, there is no interference with the laws of nature, as we shall see in the discussion on miracles. There is no difficulty in supposing that supernatural light (supernatural in the manner given) is vouchsafed, which is all that is necessary for the knowledge of natural truths.

Art. II.—Possibility of Mediate Revelation.

(A) From the Divine standpoint.

God governs men by men, in order that He may communicate the dignity of causality to creatures. Powers and rights, which belong to human authority, belong a fortiori to God. Human authority rules subjects through ministers, whose commands must be formally accepted as the commands of authority. Surely therefore God can convey instruction through the instrumentality of others.

(B) From the standpoint of man.

It is natural that in human society man should learn from man. Grace perfects nature, and at the same time safeguards the characteristics of nature. It is fit therefore that men should be instructed in Divine things by God’s ministers. Few men could discover without the help of a master even the elementary truths of Geometry. Pascal, who unaided discovered many such truths, was an extraordinary genius.

Objection may be raised that the salvation of mankind would be accomplished more effectively by immediate revelation through mental religious experience, in which case revelation would reach all men. But it is a well-known truth that for salvation God does not require impossibilities. Amongst pagan nations, if a standard of morality and virtue is reached—a standard measured by opportunities of light and difficulties of environment—in that case salvation is secured.