Reason and the supernatural

Man is limited in his intelligence and in his sensations. Being unable to understand beyond certain limits, he then pronounces the sacramental word, which puts an end to everything: Supernatural.

In the new science that you study, the term supernatural is a conventional word: it exists to express nothing. Effectively, what does it mean? Outside of Nature; beyond what is known. Nothing is more senseless; nothing more absurd than to apply it to all that is outside of us. For the man who reasons, the word supernatural is not definitive; it is vague and makes one foresee. One knows the banal phrase of the unbeliever through ignorance: “It is supernatural. Now, reason, etc., etc.” What is reason? Ah! when Nature, widening itself and acting as sovereign, shows us unknown treasures, reason, in that sense, becomes irrational and absurd, for it persists, in spite of the facts. Now, if there is a fact, it is that Nature permits it. Certainly Nature has, for us, some sublime manifestations, but very restricted ones, if we enter into the domain of the unknown. Ah! you wish to explore Nature; you wish to know the cause of things, causa rerum, and you judge it unnecessary to set aside your banal reason? But you are joking, gentlemen. What is human reason, if not the manner of thinking of your world? You run from planet to planet and you think that reason must accompany you? No, gentlemen; the only reason you should have in the midst of all these phenomena is cold blood and observation in regard to that point of view, and not from the point of view of incredulity. Lately we have approached very grave questions, as you remember. But, in the substance of what we were saying, we did not conclude that all evil comes from men. After many struggles, after many discussions, there come also the good thoughts, a new faith and new hopes. As I told you a little while ago, Spiritism is the light that must illuminate, henceforth, every intelligence devoted to progress. Prayer will be the only dogma and the exclusive practice of Spiritism, that is, harmony and simplicity. Art will be new, because seconded by the new ideas. Consider that every work inspired by a philosophical-religious idea is always a powerful and sound manifestation; the Christ will always be Humanity, but not suffering Humanity: it will be triumphant Humanity.

Lamennais. ⁿ Allan Kardec.

Paris. — Typ. of Cosson et Ce rue du Four-St-Germain, 43.

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Lamennais.]