1308. In Maurice's understanding ...

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In Maurice's understanding (as in mine), the difference between "the old man" and "the new man" is not the difference between "life without Christ" and "life with Christ." The old man lives with Christ as much as the new man, but without knowing that Christ is the foundation of his life, whereas the new man has received this knowledge through God's revelation—whether original or special/decisive. The sole purpose of revelation, original or special/decisive, is to impart an unambiguous knowledge of reality, of the true foundation of existence. And conversion consists in awaking from ignorance of this true foundation to a full, clear apprehension of it. 

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Christ reveals himself, not to the eyes of those who actually see and handle him, but to a spirit within them. He calls forth faith, which is the proper organ and exercise of this spirit. He speaks to the man who was hidden within the man. And there is always an answer of some kind to his voice.

Who is the man "hidden within the man" except an existing self, who can and must exist understandingly and therefore can and must ask the existential question as well as the empirical question? 

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Who are "true philosophers," like Socrates and St. Paul? They are men who are seeking "that which is, the ultimate foundation of existence." They are seeking "some ground upon which they may stand, a ground of reality, not of convention."

30 May 2009