Replies to the third and fourth objections; Gerhard on practical theology; orthodoxy and Christian life
15. To the third, we deny the consequence, because not just any cognition makes a theoretical discipline, but only that which does not of itself direct to practice. But the theological knowledge of God of itself directs a person to the practice of piety.
16. To the fourth, we deny the consequence. Eternal life consists in cognition not as in an end, but as in a means to the end, without which no adult attains the end — namely his salvation and the sanctification of God's name. Doctor Johannes Gerhard, professor at Jena, agrees with us among others in the preface to his Meditations. It is agreed, he says, that theology is a practical doctrine, and therefore those think less rightly who contend that it is speculative, among whom are some of the scholastics. For although not only things to be done, but also things to be believed and hoped, are proposed in this heavenly philosophy, that still does not hinder its still being called practical. For medicine too is occupied with the theory of certain things, and yet is not therefore a theoretical discipline, because it pursues that very theory by reason of practice and in order to practice: the same applies to theology that in those very things to be believed, or in the articles of faith, not bare knowledge but also assent is required, which those to whom this care belongs confirm by arguments to be an act on the will's side. But if theology is a practical doctrine, then surely its end also will not be bare knowledge and subtle theory, but rather practice. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them, says the Savior to the disciples. The strength of our religion consists not in words but in deeds, says Justin. The sum of religion is to imitate him whom you worship, says Augustine. If therefore the end and perfection of the Christian religion is not bare knowledge but practice, how few will you find today who are truly Christians! Everywhere much science, little conscience. It is most right that orthodoxy is defended by books, disputations, sermons, and every means: but care must also be taken that life answer to the Christian profession. Thus Doctor Gerhard.
Latin
15. Ad tertium, Negamus consequentiam, quia non quavis cognitio facit disciplinam theoreticam, sed ea duntaxat, quae ad praxin per se non dirigit. Atqui Theologica Dei cognitio hominem ad praxin pietatis per se dirigit. 16. Ad quartum, consequentiam negamus. Consistit aeterna vita in cognitione non tanquam fine, sed tanquam in medio ad finem, sine quo finem nemo adultus assequitur, nimirum salutem suam et sanctificationem nominis Dei. Adstipulatur nobis inter plures D. Johannes Gerhardus professor Jenensis praefat. Meditationum. Constat, inquiens, Theologiam esse doctrinam practicam, ac proinde minus recte eos sentire, qui speculativam eam esse contendunt, quo in numero sunt quidam ex scholasticis. Quamvis enim non solum agenda, sed etiam credenda et speranda in hac coelesti philosophia proponantur, id tamen non impedit, quo minus practica adhuc dicatur. Nam et Medicina in quorundam theoria occupata est, nec tamen propterea Theorica disciplina est, quia hanc ipsam theoriam, praxeos ratione, ac in ordine ad praxin sectatur: perinde se res habet in Theologia. Ut jam non addam, in illis ipsis credendis, sive in fidei articulis, non nudam notitiam, sed et assensum requiri, quem ex parte voluntatis actum esse, argumentis confirmant illi, ad quos haec cura pertinet. Quod si Theologia est doctrina practica, utique etiam finis ejus non erit nuda gnosis, et subtilis theoria, sed potius praxis. Haec si sciveritis, beati estis, si feceritis ea, dicit Salvator ad discipulos. Non in verbis, sed in factis, vires nostrae religionis consistunt, dicit Justinus. Summa religionis est, imitari eum, quem colis, dicit Augustinus. Quodsi ergo Christianae religionis finis ac perfectio, non est nuda gnosis, sed praxis, quam paucos hodie invenies vere Christianos! Multum ubique scientiae, conscientiae parum. Rectissime fit, quod orthodoxia libris, disputationibus, concionibus, et modis omnibus defenditur: sed et vita professioni Christianae ut respondeat, opera danda. Haec D. Gerhardus.