A Theological-Political Treatise [Part III]

audiobook

A Theological-Political Treatise [Part III]

by Benedictus de Spinoza

EN·~1 hours·1 chapter

Chapters

1 total
1

Sentence Numbers, shown thus (1), have been added by volunteer.

1:36:10

Description

In this thought‑provoking treatise, the author turns a careful eye to the way early Christian letters were composed, asking whether the apostles wrote as inspired prophets or as ordinary teachers. By comparing the bold, command‑driven language of Old‑Testament prophets with the more tentative, reasoned tone of the New‑Testament epistles, he highlights a shift from unquestioned decree to thoughtful discussion. The inquiry lays a groundwork for examining how scriptural authority may rest not on mystical revelation alone but on the persuasive power of reasoned argument.

Building on that foundation, the work explores what it means for divine law to be “sacred” and how Scripture can claim purity despite human transmission. It distinguishes simple moral teachings—those essential for good conduct—from elaborate theological speculation, arguing that true piety is shown through obedience rather than intellectual assent. The author also sketches a delicate balance between faith and philosophy, suggesting that each can stand independently while still enriching the other.

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Details

Language

en

Duration

~1 hours (92K characters)

Release date

1997-07-16

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Benedictus de Spinoza

Benedictus de Spinoza

1632–1677

A bold and deeply original thinker, this 17th-century philosopher reshaped ideas about God, nature, freedom, and the human mind. His work was controversial in its own time and remains one of the clearest, most challenging voices in modern philosophy.

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