The Religion of Nature Delineated
The work presents a philosophical exploration of the foundations of morality and religion, asserting that the essence of religion is rooted in the moral distinctions of good, evil, and indifference. It posits that moral actions must stem from intelligent, free agents capable of discernment and choice. The author argues that truth is defined as the correspondence of propositions to reality, and that actions can express truth or falsehood just as words do. The text emphasizes that moral good and evil are intrinsically linked to truth, and any act that contradicts truth is morally wrong. The author contends that a supreme being, who is the source of all existence, must be acknowledged, as all beings depend on this entity for their nature and existence. This being is characterized as perfect, eternal, and infinite, devoid of any defects or limitations. The work further discusses the nature of happiness, asserting that true happiness is aligned with the practice of truth and moral good. It suggests that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental aspect of human existence, and that individuals are obliged to act in accordance with their understanding of truth. The author addresses the complexities of divine providence, arguing that while the world operates under natural laws, there is room for a divine influence that guides the actions of free agents without infringing upon their liberty. This divine providence is seen as compatible with the existence of free will, as it allows for the possibility of particular interventions in human affairs. In conclusion, the work posits that the pursuit of truth, moral good, and happiness are interconnected, forming the basis of a natural religion that aligns with the principles of reason and the nature of the supreme being. The author asserts that understanding these concepts is essential for individuals to navigate their moral responsibilities and relationship with the divine.
By William Wollaston · First published 1724 · Genre: Philosophy, Theology, Naturalism · 9 chapters · 154,765 words
First lines
The foundation of religion lies in that difference between the acts of men, which distinguishes them into good, evil, indifferent. For if there is such a difference, there must be religion; and contra. Upon this account it is that such a long and laborious inquiry has been made after some general idea,1 or some rule,2 by comparing the foresaid acts with which, it might appear to which kind they respectively belong.3 And though men have not yet agreed upon any one, yet one certainly there must be.4 That, which I am going to propose, has always seemed to me not only evidently true, but withal so obvious and plain, that perhaps for this very reason it has not merited the notice of authors. And the use and application of it is so easy, that if things are but fairly permitted to speak for themselves their own natural language, they will, with a moderate attention, be found themselves to proclaim their own rectitude or obliquity; that is, whether they are disagreeable to it or not. I shall endeavor by degrees to explain my meaning.
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The Religion of Nature Delineated is listed on Textopian as an essay by William Wollaston, dated 1724 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: William Wollaston
- Date: 1724 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Naturalism, Ethics, Metaphysics
- Length: 154,765 words
- Structure: 9 chapters, 1,268 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
- Philosophy by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Meditations On The First Philosophy In Which The Existence Of God And The Immortality Of The Soul Are Demonstrated by Rene Descartes
- The Over Soul by Ralph Waldo Emerson
- A Pluralistic Universe by William James
- The Truth In Jesus by George Macdonald
- Sophist by Plato
Genres
- Philosophy — The book explores fundamental questions about nature and existence, characteristic of philosophical discourse.
- Theology — It addresses religious themes and the relationship between nature and divine principles.
- Naturalism — The work emphasizes understanding the natural world and its laws, aligning with naturalistic perspectives.
- Ethics — It discusses moral implications derived from nature, relevant to ethical considerations.
Tags
Philosophy · Theology · Deism · Natural Religion · Reason · Morality · Ethics · God · Nature · Cosmology · Existence · Reality
Contents
- Of Moral Good and Evil
- Of Happiness
- Of Reason, and the Ways of Discovering Truth
- Of the Obligations of Imperfect Beings with Respect to their Power of Acting
- Truths Relating to the Deity: of his Existence, Perfection, Providence, Etc
- Truths Respecting Mankind in General, Antecedent to all Human Laws
- Truths Respecting Particular Societies of Men, or Governments
- Truths Concerning Families and Relations
- Truths Belonging to a Private Man, and Respecting (Directly) only Himself