Theologico-Political Treatise, Part III

What it is

This is Part III of Spinoza's Theologico-Political Treatise, chapters XI to XV, in an English translation by R. H. M. Elwes. The chapters cover the Apostles' epistles, the origin of the divine law, the simple doctrines that Scripture teaches, and the definition of faith. The sentence numbers shown in brackets were added by a volunteer, not by Spinoza or Elwes. No publication date is given in the facts.

Why it matters

In these chapters Spinoza argues that Scripture teaches only simple doctrines sufficient for right conduct. He says that error in speculative doctrine is not impious and that piety consists in obedience. He also separates faith from philosophy, and warns about the dangers of a vulgar idea of faith. These claims show how Spinoza challenged traditional religious authority and how controversial his ideas were in his time.

Look closer

• What does Spinoza mean when he says piety consists in obedience, and what does he say counts as the test of faith?
• Why might a volunteer's sentence numbering change the way a reader moves through the text?
• Who would have objected to his claim that Scripture teaches only simple doctrines, and why?