Denis Diderot: 'Only a very bad theologian would confuse the certainty that follows revelation with the truths that are revealed. They are entirely different things.'

Only a very bad theologian would confuse the certainty that follows revelation with the truths that are revealed. They are entirely different things.

Denis Diderot, a prominent Enlightenment philosopher, once stated, "Only a very bad theologian would confuse the certainty that follows revelation with the truths that are revealed. They are entirely different things." This quote captures a profound insight into the nature of faith, knowledge, and the human understanding of divine revelation.At its core, Diderot's quote emphasizes the distinction between the subjective certainty that humans may experience after receiving a revelation and the objective truths that the revelation unveils. It warns against the tendency to conflate the personal conviction one feels with the revealed truths themselves, reminding us that interpretation and personal bias can cloud our understanding. In essence, it serves as a reminder that our subjective certainty should not be equated with irrefutable truths.This notion holds immense importance in the realm of theology, where the interpretation of religious texts and revelations often leads to differing perspectives and diverse understandings. It discourages rigidity and absolute certainty in matters of faith, encouraging theologians to approach their interpretations with humility and an understanding that their own biases and limited understanding may distort their perception of truth.Delving deeper into this concept, Diderot's quote offers an opportunity to explore the nature of knowledge itself and consider an unexpected philosophical concept: the distinction between epistemic certainty and ontological truth. Epistemic certainty refers to the degree of confidence or conviction an individual has in a particular belief or proposition, while ontological truth represents the state of being true regardless of our subjective understanding or beliefs.In the context of religious revelation, epistemic certainty arises from the personal experience and interpretation of individuals, resulting in varying degrees of conviction. However, ontological truth, as understood here, exists independently of one's subjective experiences or interpretations. It suggests that the truths revealed through divine sources possess an objective reality that is not contingent upon human understanding or biases.This distinction between epistemic certainty and ontological truth opens the doors to further exploration of the nature of reality and the limits of human comprehension. It deepens our understanding of the complexities involved in interpreting religious texts and reconciling diverse perspectives within theological discourse.Drawing upon Diderot's quote, we can reflect on the importance of critical thinking, intellectual humility, and open-mindedness in the pursuit of truth. It invites us to question our own certainties, recognizing that our personal convictions, although meaningful and powerful, may not capture the entirety of the truth revealed.Ultimately, Diderot's quote serves as a reminder that while personal certainty and revelation may be closely intertwined, they must be distinguished from one another. The quote challenges theologians and individuals of faith to seek a deeper understanding of the truths revealed, acknowledging their own fallibility and remaining open to the possibility of growth and expanded comprehension. By embracing this perspective, we foster an environment of intellectual curiosity and humility, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of faith and the divine.