LE PÉCHÉ PHILOSOPHIQUE OU LE SALUT À LA PORTÉE DE TOUS

By Françoise Hildesheimer

Book Description

In this illuminating exploration of Catholic theological history, Françoise Hildesheimer examines a fascinating doctrinal controversy that emerged in 17th-century France. The work centers on the concept of "philosophical sin," a theological distinction first articulated by Saint Thomas Aquinas that differentiated between offenses against reason and offenses against God.

The narrative unfolds around a pivotal 1686 thesis defended by a Jesuit scholar in Dijon, which revived this ancient distinction with profound implications. According to this controversial position, individuals who remain ignorant of God or do not actively contemplate the divine cannot commit mortal sin and therefore escape eternal punishment. This theological proposition suggested a more accessible path to salvation, particularly for those outside traditional religious frameworks.

Hildesheimer traces the immediate and vigorous opposition this thesis encountered, particularly from the renowned Jansenist theologian Antoine Arnauld, whose refutation sparked intense scholarly debate. The controversy ultimately reached Rome, resulting in official condemnation in 1690.

Through careful historical analysis, this work reveals how questions of salvation, divine justice, and human responsibility have shaped Catholic doctrine. Readers interested in the evolution of religious thought will discover how theological debates reflect deeper questions about spiritual accessibility and the nature of divine mercy. The book offers valuable insights into how religious institutions navigate competing interpretations of fundamental spiritual truths.