EPISTLE.

...than by stating in a few words what I have aimed for in it. I have always considered that two questions—those concerning God and the soul—are the primary issues that should be demonstrated with the aid of philosophy rather than theology. For although it is enough for us who are faithful to believe through faith alone that the human soul does not die with the body and that God exists, it certainly seems impossible to persuade any unbeliever of any religion, or even perhaps of any moral virtue, unless these two truths are first proven to them by natural reason.

Moreover, since in this life greater rewards are often offered for vices than for virtues, few people would prefer what is right over what is expedient original: "utili" — meaning useful, profitable, or self-serving if they neither feared God nor expected a life to come. And although it is absolutely true that we must believe in the existence of God because it is taught in the Holy Scriptures, and conversely, that we must believe the Holy Scriptures because they have...