The Calvin Handbook by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-02-19T14:19:00+00:00

6.3.3. Darkening of the Mind

The fall affects the intellect as well as the will. Fallen human intellect has become blind and unable to discover the truth, just as the will is corrupted and unable to love God or obey him (DSO 201). As a result of the fall, not just the will but also the mind is in bondage (DSO 167).

Here Calvin appeals to the distinction between our natural gifts, which were corrupted by sin, and supernatural gifts, which were lost (Inst. 11.2.12). He distinguished between the understanding of earthly and heavenly things. When it comes to secular disciplines, such as "government, household management, all mechanical skills, and the liberal arts," fallen human beings can excel. Their achievements should be accepted ungrudgingly as gifts from God. But when it comes to theology, to "the pure knowledge of God, the nature of true righteousness, and the mysteries of the Heavenly Kingdom," it is quite another matter (Inst. I1.2.13 [1539]). There "the greatest geniuses [such as Plato] are blinder than moles" (Inst. I1.2.18 [1539]).

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