Let’s see how far the power of the soul, which is located in the heart and mind, extends. Philosophers generally maintain that our reasoning ability is in our mind. They argue that, like a lamp, it illuminates all of the minds thoughts. They also liken reason to a queen who governs our will. They think reason is pervaded with God’s light so that people are able to discern what is best. Not only that, they think it has the power to move people to obey its command perfectly. However, our human perception is dull and short-sighted. It always confined to earthly matters, focused on things less than God. It does not rise up to a true vision of God. When desire obeys reason, on the other hand, and does not allow itself to be controlled by our mere human perception of things, will pursue. It will stay on the right path and it becomes a disciplined, moral choice rather than just responding to impulse. When desire is enslaved by our unspiritual, bodily impulses, it is corrupted and degenerates into lust, unrestrained desires.

Philosophers generally argue that intellect (reason), appetite (desire) and will are located in the soul. Therefore, they maintain that since the intellect is infused with reason, it is the best guide to a virtuous and happy life. It can bring happiness if it exerts the power which it has. They also generally think that our bodily appetites and human perceptions can be tamed by the power of reason. They place the will in a kind of “in-between” place, situated between reason and sense. They think the will is fully free so that it can either obey reason or give itself over to our sense and appetites.

“Blogging the Institutes” is my on-going attempt to paraphrase John Calvin’s work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. You can find out more about the series in the Introduction. For all the posts in this series, check out the Master List.