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The triumph of the cross

Chapter 21: METHOD OBSERVED THROUGHOUT THIS BOOK.
By Girolamo Savonarola
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About This Book

A four-part theological apologetic that defends core Christian doctrines through philosophical argument and scriptural exposition. The first section presents proofs for God’s existence, attributes, providence, and the soul’s immortality. The second argues that Christian faith coheres with truth and reason. The third examines central mysteries, asserting they are not intrinsically impossible nor contrary to rational thought. The fourth affirms the truth of Christian teaching while rebutting the claims and errors of rival philosophers, pagan practices, followers of other religions, and assorted heretical positions, combining intellectual argumentation with pastoral intent to instruct and vindicate the faith.

BOOK II.

METHOD OBSERVED THROUGHOUT THIS BOOK.

In our last Book we treated of those things which human reason is capable of grasping. It is our intention to discuss, in this Book, those things which exceed reason, and to prove the truth of the Faith, both by natural means, and by the supernatural deeds of Christ. Since present occurrences carry more weight than past events, our first argument shall be founded on the deeds of Christians within the Church. We speak not of bad Christians, who are cut off from the body of Christ, but of such as are Christians in deed, as well as in name. We will next examine the works which Christ wrought in times past, and which are known to all the world. And, since He Himself by His words, “I am come that they may have life, and may have it more abundantly” (St. John x. 10), shows that His chief work lies in the perfection of Christian life, we will demonstrate the truth of the Faith of Christ: first, by arguments founded on the Christian life; secondly, by others based on the cause of this life; and thirdly, by those drawn from the effects of this life. This chain of reasoning will embrace almost everything which is at present taking place within the Church militant.