You Are Gods: On Nature and Supernature

In this dense treatise, Hart (Kenogaia), a philosopher and Eastern Orthodox theologian, explores ideas of the supernatural in Christianity. Delving into the history of Catholic philosophy, the author argues that humans are essentially supernatural creatures because they possess incorporeal spirits whose purpose is to commune with the divine by achieving grace. Across six essays, Hart expands on his notion of the supernatural, arguing that the body and spirit are inextricably intertwined, that acts in the mortal world have supernatural origins and ends, and that the natural world can never quench spiritual needs. Hart undermines these arguments, though, by relying on unsupported assertions or odd analogies, such as his insistence that, hypothetically, most people who see a rabbit transformed into a turnip would agree that the rabbit’s essence had vanished and the turnip’s had been created in its place. The author also resorts to insulting his philosophical opponents, calling one “dour” and “godless” and claiming that those who assert a separation of body and spirit don’t believe their own arguments. Arcane vocabulary (“theogonic narratives,” “provisional dualism,” “ ‘second scholastic’ Thomism”) and Hart’s refusal to provide background make the prose impenetrable. This is for specialists only, and its pugilistic attitude may make even them want to steer clear. (Apr.)