Supernatural order

In Christian theology, the Supernatural order is, according to New Advent, defined as "the ensemble of effects exceeding the powers of the created universe and gratuitously produced by God for the purpose of raising the rational creature above its native sphere to a God-like life and destiny."cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14336b.htm|title=Supernatural Order|last=Sollier|first=J.|publisher=Robert Appleton Company|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-11] The "Modern Catholic Dictionary" defines it as " [t] he sum total of heavenly destiny and all the divinely established means of reaching that destiny, which surpass the mere powers and capacities of human nature." [cite web|url=http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=36719|title=Supernatural Order|last=Hardon|first=Fr. John|publisher=Eternal Life|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-15]

In Christian philosophy

According to New Advent, "the philosophical possibility and the critical ascertainment of the supernatural order are the central point of Christian apologetics."

In Supernaturalism

According to supernaturalism, a supernatural order is the original and fundamental source of all that exists. [cite web|url=http://atheism.about.com/od/religiondefinition/p/TheismGod.htm|title=How Religions Involve Theism|last=Cline|first=Austin|date=2008|publisher=About.com|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-15] Accordingly, it is this supernatural order which defines the limits of what may be known.

References

Bibliography

* Ripalda, "De ente supernaturali" (Paris, 1870)
* Schrader, "De triplici ordin"e (Vienna, 1864)
* Terrien, "La grace et la gloire" (Paris, 1897)
* Bainvel, "Nature et surnaturel" (Paris, 1903)
* De Broglie, "Le surnaturel" (Paris, 1908)
* Ligeard, L"e rapport de la nature et du surnaturel d'après les théologiens scolastiques du XIIIe au XVIIIe siècles" (Paris, 1910)