Refutation of the Sects (1959) - Page 17


Statement of the problem 254	79	91
a. CONCERNING GOD 255	79	91
b. CONCERNING THE DEVIL 256	79	91
4. Mental illnesses and diabolical possessions 257-266
A. Natural mental illnesses 257	80	92
B. Diabolical possessions (insofar as they take away or diminish liberty). — They are caused by Satan and not by the moon 258-266 During the era this text discusses, "lunacy" was often attributed to the phases of the moon; the author argues here for a spiritual rather than astrological cause.	80	92
a. IT IS SATAN 259-265	80	92
Contestation 260	80	92
α. SCRIPTURE EXPLICITLY STATES THAT SATAN TEMPTS 261	80	92
β. GOD MEASURES TEMPTATION ACCORDING TO MAN'S STRENGTH 262.	81	93
γ. GOD USES THE MALICE OF THE EVIL ONE TO PURIFY THE VIRTUOUS THROUGH TEMPTATION 263	81	93
δ. TO SUPPOSE THAT THE EVIL ONE WAS CREATED TO DO EVIL CONTRADICTS THE FACTS OF SACRED HISTORY AND SCRIPTURAL TEXTS 264	81	93
Conclusion to a: it is Satan 265	82	94
b. IT IS NOT THE MOON; for the luminous bodies are the cause of neither good nor evil; the sun and moon are made essentially for light and, incidentally, may become signs of rain 266	82	94

SECTION II

CREATION IS NOT SELF-EXISTENT 267-357

original Latin: a se. This theological term refers to "aseity," the concept of a being existing in and of itself, which the author argues applies only to God, not to the created world.

(ERRORS ADDRESSED: PANTHEISM AND POLYTHEISM)

Pantheism is the belief that the universe and God are identical; polytheism is the belief in multiple gods. The author is refuting both in favor of a single Creator distinct from His creation.

I. FIRST PASS: COSMOGRAPHIC 267-286
The term "cosmographic" refers to the study of the physical characteristics of the universe and the earth.


1. The heavens do not move 267-276
A. Statement of the problem 267	83	96
B. Response 268-276
a. FIRST RESPONSE: EXPERIENCE OF THINGS 268	83	96
b. SECOND RESPONSE: DRAWN FROM SCRIPTURE 269-275	83	96
1st Objection 270	83	97
Response 271	83	97
2nd Objection 272	84	98
Response 273	84	98
— Pleading 274 original: Instance. In scholastic debate, an "instance" is a specific counter-argument or a secondary objection raised to challenge a previous response.	85	98