BENEDICT DE SPINOZA: Theological-Political Treatise

Theology and reason
unadulterated as regards its [moral] doctrine and the main historical
narratives.
So it is a sound judgment to accept this fundamental principle
embracing the whole of theology and Scripture, even though it cannot be
demonstrated by mathematical proof. For it is indeed ignorance to refuse
to accept something just because it cannot be mathematically demonstrated
when it is con¢rmed by the testimonies of so many prophets, is a
source of great solace for those whose capacity to reason is limited, is of
great value to the state, and may be believed unreservedly without danger
or damage. As if we should admit nothing as true, for the prudent
conduct of our lives, which can be called into question by any method of
doubt, or as if so many of our actions were not highly uncertain and full
of risk!
[8] Admittedly, those who believe that philosophy and theology contradict
each other and think that we should banish one or the other and
get rid of one of them, are well-advised to try to lay solid foundations for
theology and attempt to prove it mathematically. For no one who is not
without hope or insane would want to abolish reason completely or
totally reject the arts and sciences and deny the certainty of reason. And
yet we cannot altogether excuse them [for attempting to prove theology
mathematically]: for they are attempting to use reason to reject reason
and hence search for a certain reason to render reason uncertain. But in
fact, as they strive to prove the truth and authority of theology by
mathematical demonstration, and deprive reason and the natural light of
authority, what they are really doing is bringing theology itself under the
rule of reason. For underneath, they seem evidently to suppose that
theology’s authority will have no impact unless it is illuminated by the
natural light of reason.
If on the other hand they claim totally to acquiesce in the internal
testimony of the Holy Spirit, and to make use of reason only for the sake
of unbelievers, so as to convince them, we should still not trust what they
say. We can readily demonstrate straight o¡ that they assert this from
passion or vanity. For it very clearly follows from the previous chapter
that the Holy Spirit gives testimony only about good works, which Paul
too calls the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5.22), and the spirit is in truth 188
simply the mental peace which arises in the mind from good actions. But
no spirit other than reason gives testimony about the truth and certainty
193