Encyclopedia of sacred theology - pagina 331

Chap.

THE COXCErTION OF THEOLOGY

I]

307

gence both sides occupy the same pomt of view as to natural theology; from both sides it is confessed that their theology and the difference arises is derived from special Revelation ;

only from the diverging views of this special Revelation. In speculative and empiric theology, on the other hand, one is

met by

a

natural theology.

name

which, from principle^ denies all and thus in reality takes counsel with Both forfeit thereby the right to the

falsification,

special Revelation,

way

of theology, because in this

really ends in Pliilosopliy^

speculative theology

and empiric theology disappears

Natural Theology can exhibit

in Naturalism.

regnant power only when its light in their

human

itself

as a

nature receives the beams of

purity and reflects them equally completely.

by a hundred cracks, and the receiving and reflecting have become unequal, and the image that Avas to reflect itself is hindered And in its clear reflection and thereby rendered untrue. theology upon natural as cannot depend for this reason you forms it works in fallen man; and its imperfect lines and bring you, through the broken image, in touch with the reality

At

present, however, the glass has been impaired

of the infinite, only

when an

you to recover and natural theology re-

accidens enables

this defective ideal for yourself,

Speculative

ceives this accidens only in special revelation.

and empiric theology are methodistic

against

correct, therefore, in their reaction

superficiality,

which actually annuls

natural theology, and accepts special revelation by faith as

something entirely independent by

contrary,

it

is

itself.

While, on the

only by the natural knowledge

the semen religionis, that a special revelation

is

of

God, by

possible for it,

and that

certainty can be born of its reality in our sense.

Yea, to

us, that

speak

our consciousness can unite

still

stronger,

we may

itself to

say that special theology

is

merely temporal, and natural theology eternal. This is not stated more boldly than the Scriptures justify, when they explain the mutual relation between the special priesthood of the Aaronic ceremonial and the natural priesthood of Melcliizedek. Melchizedek appears as one standing entirely outside of the special revelation; he is a priest-king.

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