From the book
The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert, Volumes I–II
Joseph Joubert · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Theology
théologie; théologien
Théologie is called a philosophy distinguished by where it seeks truth and by the authority on which it relies.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordThéologie is called a philosophy distinguished by where it seeks truth and by the authority on which it relies.
- In JoubertThe search beyond the world is not described as dependence on an identified institution; the alternative authority remains unnamed.
- In this editionThe English translation preserves the personal limitation of the criticism and the contextual brackets in its damaged text.
- A place to beginTheology seeks truth beyond the world on another authority.
- English renderings
- theology; theologian
Meaning
Théologie is called a philosophy distinguished by where it seeks truth and by the authority on which it relies.
Use in the book
The search beyond the world is not described as dependence on an identified institution; the alternative authority remains unnamed. The criticism of certain theologians concerns their secret confidence in personal infallibility, not simply their belief in sacred truths. One can retain doctrine while questioning one’s demonstrations. Another sharp formulation contrasts faith that saves with the theologians’ wish to prove their teaching true, then reports Bossuet’s compressed appeal to the written word and tradition. These passages distinguish teaching, demonstration, authority and faith rather than treating them as interchangeable religious knowledge.
Places to read
- II, p. 498, entry 6, ¶1Theology seeks truth beyond the world on another authority.
- II, p. 709, entry 3, ¶1Personal infallibility is separated from confidence in doctrine.
- II, p. 819, entry 10, ¶1Faith and demonstration are contrasted in the work of theologians.
Translation in this edition
The English translation preserves the personal limitation of the criticism and the contextual brackets in its damaged text. It renders the Bossuet attribution without authenticating a particular external source or supplying a verb between the written word and tradition.
Source note
Beaunier 1938, II, pp. 498, 709, 819.
From the book
Centuries of Meditations
Thomas Traherne · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Divinity
divinity; divine learning; divine nature
Divinity commonly means theology: knowledge of God and matters belonging to God.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordDivinity commonly means theology: knowledge of God and matters belonging to God.
- In TraherneAs a field of learning, divinity follows the study of humanity.
- In this editionA “divine” may be a theologian; “His divinity” may mean God’s nature.
- A place to beginInvestigation of human powers and ends leads into divinity.
Meaning
Divinity commonly means theology: knowledge of God and matters belonging to God. In another construction it denotes godhead or divine nature. The two senses meet but should not be collapsed.
Use in the book
As a field of learning, divinity follows the study of humanity. Discovering the purposes of human faculties leads the investigator toward the wisdom and generosity that fitted objects to those powers. Its scope then becomes immense: God, creation, providence, covenant, the Church, resurrection, and eternal life. This is no narrow professional specialism. The student learns how to enjoy what these doctrines disclose. Traherne can also expand natural philosophy until it includes both humanity and divinity, since all natures become objects of an inquiry governed by love and understanding.
Places to read
In this edition
A “divine” may be a theologian; “His divinity” may mean God’s nature. Neither necessarily means an exceptionally inspired individual in the modern loose sense.