37. In the historical conditions in which he finds himself, however, man experiences many difficulties in coming to know God by the light of reason alone:
Though human reason is, strictly speaking, truly capable by its own natural power and light of attaining to a true and certain knowledge of the one personal God, who watches over and controls the world by his providence, and of the natural law written in our hearts by the Creator; yet there are many obstacles which prevent reason from the effective and fruitful use of this inborn faculty. For the truths that concern the relations between God and man wholly transcend the visible order of things, and, if they are translated into human action and influence it, they call for self-surrender and abnegation. the human mind, in its turn, is hampered in the attaining of such truths, not only by the impact of the senses and the imagination, but also by disordered appetites which are the consequences of original sin. So it happens that men in such matters easily persuade themselves that what they would not like to be true is false or at least doubtful.
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
510. When does the Church intervene in social areas?
164. How does one commit oneself to work for the unity of Christians?
292. What are the fruits of Holy Communion?
315. What is the attitude of the Church toward the sick?
439. Why does the Decalogue constitute an organic unity?
430. Why does the Magisterium of the Church act in the field of morality?
504. Under what conditions does the right to private property exist?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
The Beatitudes: Understanding Their Meaning and Importance (Matthew 5:3-11)
What is the importance of being faithful to sound doctrine?
Who was Hezekiah in the Bible and how does his story teach us about the importance of trusting God?
The story of Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6)
What does the Bible teach about God’s final judgment, and what does Malachi 3:18 tell us about it?
