# XXV explained — Philosophical Works

> Chapter companion for Philosophical Works by René Descartes.

## What happens

This chapter asserts that we must accept all divine revelations, even those that surpass our natural understanding, such as the mysteries of the incarnation and the trinity, and that we should not be surprised to find aspects of God's nature or creation that exceed our comprehension.

## Themes in this chapter

### Existence of God

The chapter emphasizes belief in God's revelations, affirming the necessity of faith in divine mysteries beyond human reason.

### Reason and Method

The text highlights the limits of human reason when confronted with divine truths, advocating for acceptance of revelation as a complement to rational inquiry.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The narrator presents the argument for accepting divine revelation beyond human reason.

### God

God is the source of revelation, whose mysteries (incarnation, trinity) surpass human faculties.

## Key lines

> Thus, if perhaps God reveal to us or others, matters concerning himself which surpass the natural powers of our mind, such as the mysteries of the incarnation and of the trinity, we will not refuse to believe them, although we may not clearly understand them

If God reveals truths about himself that are beyond our mental capacity, like the incarnation or the trinity, we should still believe them even if we cannot fully comprehend them.

_This paraphrase captures the core argument for accepting divine mysteries on faith._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/chapters/xxv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/philosophical_works_se/chapters