Prophecy and Inspiration by Paul Synave, O. P., Pierre Benoit, O. P. (review)

BOOK REVIEWS Prophecy and Inspiration. By PAUL SYNAVE, O.P., and PIERRE BENOIT, 0. P. Trans. by Avery Dulles, S. J. and Thomas L. Sheridan, S. J. New York, Desclee Company, 1961. Pp. 186 with bibliography and index. $8.75. This is a translation of the original treatise " Reseignements techniques ., in the volume " La Prophetie," one of the fine series translating the Summa of St. Thomas into French. The author, Fr. Benoit, in his preface to the English edition states that he regards the work as " still valid ., though modifications, interpolations and clarifications have been introduced either as the result of scholarly suggestions judiciously adapted or from the author's own reconsiderations of difficulties involved. The author's introductory paragraph to his study is a thoughtfully concise presentation of both difficulties and aims: " St. Thomas' treatise on prophecy is often used to clarify the notion of biblical inspiration, and has afiorded many valuable insights. ·It should be noted, however, that the " gift of prophecy " and " scriptural inspiration " are two distinct charisms, and that neither of them can be explained by the other without some adaptation. This fundamental observation has not always been kept sufficiently in mind, and as a result the subject has been obscured by confusions. It seems advisable, therefore, to explain St. Thomas' doctrine for its own sake and as clearly as possible before we study its bearing on modern discussions" (p. 61). In the first of his "Notes on Thomistic Doctrine," then, Fr. Benoit offers a synthesis of St. Thomas' teaching on the charism of prophecy, and in his exposition of its distinctive characteristics and divisions he also provides the groundwork for the discussion of biblical inspiration to follow . Prophecy is a social charism n?rmally manifesting to the prophet truths hidden to his mind. Two distinct elements enter into the knowledge of the prophet, the intellectual light which illuminates the object and causes one to form a judgment about it and the species which furnish the subject-matter for the judgment, the principal element. The conjunction or disjunction of these two elements and the various species whether sensory , imaginative or intellectual provide bases for the division of prophecy. This division includes the possibility ". . . that the supernatural light might be given to the prophet simply to make him judge in a divine way about human matters which were already represented in his mind . . . This is a matter of great importance, for the present case is one which occurs very frequently in Holy Scripture ., (p. 66) . Differences in terminology may likewise cause confusion, for " Today 445 446 BOOK REVIEWS we speak of inspiration when the mind of the' prophet receives only a light without representations, and of revelation when it receives both the one and the other., Can the authority of St. Thomas be invoked in favor of this terminology?" The author concludes that though the actual terms may differ there is foundation for it in Thomistic thought. A final note of importance in this section deals with the notion and application of instrumentality to prophecy in its varying degrees. The transitory character of the charism completely dependent upon God's intiative displays one of the features of an instrument as does also the imperfect character of the knowledge possessed. Still he insists that " However transitory and imperfect the prophet's possession of the supernatural light, it is none the less truly given to him in an intrinsic way, and so as to perfect him in himself. This is a crucial point, heavily stressed in St. Thomas' whole treatment. The prophet actually receives this light in his intellect; it reinforces the natural light of his reason and becomes for him an active principle of knowledge" (p. 79). "In short, St. Thomas, who likes to use terms in their formal meaning, rarely calls the prophet an instrument of the Holy Spirit except when he can use this expression in its proper and rigorous sense, i.e. when there is question of secondary and hidden meanings to which his light does not extend " (p. 88) . On leaving Fr. Benoit's discussion of the charism of prophecy, one carries away the impression that he has deliberately avoided any unneeded exemplification of...