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Objection 1: It seems that Holy Scripture should not use
metaphors. For that which is proper to the lowest science seems not to
befit this science, which holds the highest place of all. But to
proceed by the aid of various similitudes and figures is proper to
poetry, the least of all the sciences. Therefore it is not fitting
that this science should make use of such similitudes.
Objection 2: Further, this doctrine seems to be intended to make
truth clear. Hence a reward is held out to those who manifest it:
"They that explain me shall have life everlasting" (Ecclus.
24:31). But by such similitudes truth is obscured. Therefore,
to put forward divine truths by likening them to corporeal things does
not befit this science.
Objection 3: Further, the higher creatures are, the nearer they
approach to the divine likeness. If therefore any creature be taken to
represent God, this representation ought chiefly to be taken from the
higher creatures, and not from the lower; yet this is often found in
Scriptures.
On the contrary, It is written (Osee 12:10): "I have
multiplied visions, and I have used similitudes by the ministry of the
prophets." But to put forward anything by means of similitudes is to
use metaphors. Therefore this sacred science may use metaphors.
I answer that, It is befitting Holy Writ to put forward divine and
spiritual truths by means of comparisons with material things. For
God provides for everything according to the capacity of its nature.
Now it is natural to man to attain to intellectual truths through
sensible objects, because all our knowledge originates from sense.
Hence in Holy Writ, spiritual truths are fittingly taught under the
likeness of material things. This is what Dionysius says (Coel.
Hier. i): "We cannot be enlightened by the divine rays except they
be hidden within the covering of many sacred veils." It is also
befitting Holy Writ, which is proposed to all without distinction of
persons---"To the wise and to the unwise I am a debtor" (Rm.
1:14)---that spiritual truths be expounded by means of figures
taken from corporeal things, in order that thereby even the simple who
are unable by themselves to grasp intellectual things may be able to
understand it.
Reply to Objection 1: Poetry makes use of metaphors to produce a
representation, for it is natural to man to be pleased with
representations. But sacred doctrine makes use of metaphors as both
necessary and useful.
Reply to Objection 2: The ray of divine revelation is not
extinguished by the sensible imagery wherewith it is veiled, as
Dionysius says (Coel. Hier. i); and its truth so far remains
that it does not allow the minds of those to whom the revelation has
been made, to rest in the metaphors, but raises them to the knowledge
of truths; and through those to whom the revelation has been made
others also may receive instruction in these matters. Hence those
things that are taught metaphorically in one part of Scripture, in
other parts are taught more openly. The very hiding of truth in
figures is useful for the exercise of thoughtful minds and as a defense
against the ridicule of the impious, according to the words "Give not
that which is holy to dogs" (Mt. 7:6).
Reply to Objection 3: As Dionysius says, (Coel. Hier. i) it
is more fitting that divine truths should be expounded under the figure
of less noble than of nobler bodies, and this for three reasons.
Firstly, because thereby men's minds are the better preserved from
error. For then it is clear that these things are not literal
descriptions of divine truths, which might have been open to doubt had
they been expressed under the figure of nobler bodies, especially for
those who could think of nothing nobler than bodies. Secondly,
because this is more befitting the knowledge of God that we have in
this life. For what He is not is clearer to us than what He is.
Therefore similitudes drawn from things farthest away from God form
within us a truer estimate that God is above whatsoever we may say or
think of Him. Thirdly, because thereby divine truths are the better
hidden from the unworthy.
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