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The Examination of Dante on Faith

The Divine Comedy

Dante is examined by St. Peter on the virtue of faith in the Heaven of the Fixed Stars.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
St. Peter's QuestionSt. Peter's Question
The Examination Begins The Apostolic Light St. Peter descends from the circle of lights and addresses Dante. Beatrice asks Peter to examine Dante on faith. The First Question Peter asks: 'What is faith?' Dante prepares his answer, recalling the definition from Hebrews.
Dante's Definition of FaithDante's Definition of Faith
The Answer The Substance of Hope Dante defines faith as 'the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' He explains why it is called substance and evidence. Peter's Approval Peter commends Dante's answer, saying that if all doctrine were so understood, there would be no sophistry. He then asks if Dante has this faith in his purse.
The Source of FaithThe Source of Faith
The Proof The Scriptures Peter asks where Dante got his faith. Dante answers: from the Old and New Testaments, inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Miracles Peter presses: how does Dante know the Scriptures are true? Dante points to the subsequent miracles, especially the spread of Christianity without miracles, which is itself the greatest miracle.
Dante's Profession of FaithDante's Profession of Faith
The Creed The One God Dante professes belief in one God, eternal, who moves the heavens. He has proofs from physics and metaphysics, and from revelation. The Trinity He believes in three Persons, one essence, as taught by the Gospels. This faith is the spark that becomes a flame.
Peter's BenedictionPeter's Benediction
The Approval The Three Circles Peter, pleased, encircles Dante three times, singing a blessing. This symbolizes Dante's orthodoxy. The Transition The examination on faith is followed by examinations on hope and charity by St. James and St. John. Dante passes all three.
In the eighth heaven, the Fixed Stars, after the triumph of Christ
During the examination, in the Fixed Stars
After the definition, in the Fixed Stars
After the source, in the Fixed Stars
After the profession, in the Fixed Stars