Theologico-political Treatise

A Theologico-Political Treatise Part 3 – Chapters XI to XV Baruch Spinoza A Theologico-Political Treatise Part 3 – Chapters XI to XV TRANSLATED BY R. H. M. ELWES A PENN STATE ELECTRONIC CLASSICS SERIES PUBLICATION A Theologico-Political Treatise: Part Three – Chapters XI to XV by Baruch Spinoza, trans. R.H.M. Elwes is a publication of the Pennsylvania State University. This Portable Document file is furnished free and without any charge of any kind. Any person using this document file, for any purpose, and in any way does so at his or her own risk. Neither the Pennsylvania State University nor Jim Manis, Faculty Editor, nor anyone associated with the Pennsylvania State University assumes any responsibility for the material contained within the document or for the file as an electronic transmission, in any way. A Theologico-Political Treatise: Part Three – Chapters XI to XV by Baruch Spinoza, trans. R.H.M. Elwes, the Pennsylvania State University, Electronic Classics Series, Jim Manis, Faculty Editor, Hazleton, PA 18201-1291 is a Portable Document File produced as part of an ongoing student publication project to bring classical works of literature, in English, to free and easy access of those wishing to make use of them. Cover Design: Jim Manis Copyright © 2000 The Pennsylvania State University The Pennsylvania State University is an equal opportunity university. A Theologico-Political Treatise Spinoza CHAPTER XII – Of the true Original of the Divine Law, and wherefore Scripture is called Sacred, and the Word of God. How that, in so far as it contains the Word of God, it has come down to us uncorrupted. CHAPTER XIII – It is shown, that Scripture teaches only very Simple Doctrines, such as suffice for right conduct. Error in speculative doctrine not impious – nor knowledge pious. Piety consists in obedience. Part III – Chapters XI to XV by Baruch Spinoza CHAPTER XIV – Definitions of Faith, the True Faith, and the Foundations of Faith, which is once for all separated from Philosophy. Danger resulting from the vulgar idea of faith. The only test of faith obedience and good works. As different men are disposed to obedience by different opinions, universal faith can contain only the simplest doctrines. Fundamental distinction between faith and philosophy – the key-stone of the present treatise. TABLE OF CONTENTS: CHAPTER XI – An Inquiry whether the Apostles wrote their Epistles as Apostles and Prophets, or merely as Teachers, and an Explanation of what is meant by Apostle. The epistles not in the prophetic style. The Apostles not commanded to write or preach in particular places. Different methods of teaching adopted by the Apostles. CHAPTER XV – Theology is shown not to be subservient to Reason, nor Reason to Theology: a Definition of the reason which enables us to accept the Authority of the Bible. Theory that Scripture must be accommodated to Reason – maintained by Maimonides – already refuted in Chapter vii. Theory that Reason must be accommodated to Scripture – 3 A Theologico-Political Treatise – Part Three maintained by Alpakhar – examined. And refuted. Scripture and Reason independent of one another. Certainty, of fundamental faith not mathematical but moral. Great utility of Revelation. CHAPTER XI – AN INQUIRY WHETHER THE APOSTLES WROTE THEIR EPISTLES AS APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, OR MERELY AS TEACHERS; AND AN EXPLANATION OF WHAT IS MEANT BY AN APOSTLE. Authors Endnotes to the Treatise. (1) No reader of the New Testament can doubt that the Apostles were prophets; but as a prophet does not always speak by revelation, but only, at rare intervals, as we showed at the end of Chap. I., we may fairly inquire whether the Apostles wrote their Epistles as prophets, by revelation and express mandate, as Moses, Jeremiah, and others d