An Encapsulated View of the Best from Christian Publishers

Volume 4 . Issue 21 July 2008

C L A S S I C S

COUNCIL OF REFERENCE

Dr. Richard Averbeck Rev. D. Stuart Briscoe Dr. Paul Cedar Mr. Dave Coleman Dr. & Mrs. Larry Crabb Mr. Roger Cross Dr. Kenneth O. Gangel Rev. Samuel Farina Rev. & Mrs. O. Lud Golz Dr. Kenneth Gangel Dr. Howard G. Hendricks Rev. & Mrs. Lud Golz OlanG. Hendrix Dr.Mr. Howard Hendricks Dr. Jeremiah Mr.David Olan Hendrix Rev. Knute Larson Dr. David Jeremiah Dr. John C. Maxwell Rev. Knute Larson Dr.John Bruce Dr. C.McNicol Maxwell Mr. DeanMcNicol Merrill Dr. Bruce Mrs. Elisa Morgan Mr. Dean Merrill Dr.Elisa Luis Morgan Palau Mrs. Dr. Dr. Gilbert A. Peterson Ray Ortlund Rev. Dr. Wes LuisRoberts Palau Rev. & Mrs. Jamie Dr. Gilbert A. Peterson Rassmussen Rev. Wes Roberts Mr. Jim Warren Rev. & Mrs. Jamie Dr. Rick Warren Rassmussen Mr. Jim Warren Dr. Rick Warren

The Divine Comedy

by Dante Alighieri
Public Domain From the Classics Collection

A Quick Focus
The Books Purpose
Describe Dantes divinely ordained journey Guide the reader, step-by-step, through the levels within Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven Allow the reader to co-experience Dantes thoughts and spiritual growth as he travels Provide an acute glimpse of the spiritual and political condition of Italy during the early 14th century Motivate the reader to accept salvation through Christ Spur citizens to political action

The Books Message

Written in Italy from 1307 through 1321, The Divine Comedy offers a snapshot of the literary, spiritual, and political culture of the time. Dante not only wrote to offer a guide to spiritual salvation, but also to provide a catalyst to motivate others to political action. By describing, in a keen and stinging way, the existing social and political circumstances, he hoped to move citizens to action. A guide to salvation is at the forefront, but a strong political message runs parallel to it throughout this work. In this summary, many of the political discussions between Dante and spirits he recognizes from Florence, Italy, have been left out for the sake of brevity. Only one sample is included.

Publishers Catherine & David Publishers Martin Catherine & David Martin Editors
Cheryl & Michael Chiapperino Editors Cheryl & Michael Chiapperino

Three Main Points:

Inferno: Seeing Sin for What It Really Is . . . . 2 Purgatorio: The Christian Life . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Paradiso: Hope for the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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Inferno:

Seeing Sin for What It Really Is

Dante begins his divine journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. He wanders in a dark forest. At the top of a hill he sees sunlight and begins to climb toward it, only to be blocked by a leopard. Terrified, Dante turns to run. A lion and a she-wolf join the leopard in pursuit, forcing Dante to retreat into the dark forested valley. As he rushes downward he sees the shadowy figure of Virgil, who becomes Dantes guide. As Virgil and Dante set out on the trip into the underworld, Dante doubts his worthiness to take such a momentous journey. With Virgils encouragement, Dante presses on.

The Second Circle

They descend into the Second Circle of Hell, a place where those overcome by lust reside. Dante and Virgil meet Minos~the one who condemns souls. Virgil commands that Dante be allowed to pass. They pass and find a pit filled with an eternal storm accompanied by shrieks and moans of suffering souls. This storm symbolizes the power of lust to blow one around needlessly and aimlessly. Dante meets one who was overcome by lust, Francesca, whose husband killed her and his brother, Paolo, when he found them surrendering to one lustful kiss. Overwhelmed by extreme sadness and pity, Dante faints again.

The Circles of Hell

Approaching the gates of Hell, they see this inscription above the gate: Through me the way is to the city dolent. Through me the way is to eternal dole. Through me the way among the people lost Before me there were no created things, only eterne, and I eternal last. All hope abandon, ye who enter in! They enter into the dark abyss filled with the cries of souls who were neither committed to God nor Satan and who will spend eternity in the Vestibule, a place just outside the First Circle of Hell. Horseflies and wasps sting them, and worms feed on their blood and tears. Dante and Virgil arrive at the border between the Vestibule and the First Circle, which is the river Acheron. Many souls wait on the shore to cross. Charon, the boatman, does not want to take Dante across because he is still alive, but Virgil commands that he do so. During the crossing, Virgil explains that the souls, compelled by celestial justice, must cross over into Hell. They then experience a giant earthquake, violent wind, and fire belching from the ground. Terrified, Dante faints.

The Third Circle

When Dante regains consciousness, he is in the Third Circle, which is filled with odiferous ground and endless rain, snow, and hail. This is home to the gluttons who forever attempt to avoid the claws of the three-headed guard, Cerberus.

The First Circle

Dante, awakened by loud thunder, finds himself at the edge of what appears to be a bottomless pit. He and Virgil descend into Limbo, the First Circle. The moans of sadness are overwhelming and Virgil explains that these are the souls who led unblemished lives but were never baptized. Virgil, himself, lives in Limbo. His punishment, and that of all who live here, is to never see God.

Cerberus, the monster cruel and uncouth, With his three gullets like a dog is barking Over the people that are there submerged.
The gluttons are forced to lie in a vile slush made by freezing rain, black snow, and hail. This symbolizes the garbage made of their lives on earth, slaving over food.
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People were there with solemn eyes and slow, Of great authority in their countenance; They spake but seldom, and with gentle voices.
Many great souls exist here, including Homer, Horace, Lucan, and Ovid. As Virgil and Dante pass into a castle with seven walls surrounded by a stream, Dante recognizes Plato, Cicero, Socrates, Ptolemy, Hippocrates, and Aristotle.

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Inferno: Seeing Sin for What It Really Is
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Fourth Circle
They descend to the Fourth Circle where those who abused material goods are punished. They find Plutus blocking their way. Virgil explains that this journey is the will of Heaven. With that, Plutus falls to the ground, and Virgil and Dante pass unharmed. They see two groups, on semicircular paths, eternally pushing great weights. As they crash into each other, they yell, Why do you squander? and Why do you hoard? Here are the souls of the Greedy and the Covetous.

entine. Then Virgil asks for the coil wrapped around Dantes waist. Virgil tosses it into the waterfall. This signals the beast that will carry Dante into the depths. As Dante continues speaking with the spirits, Virgil convinces this beast, Geryon, to escort them. This beast has the face of an old man, the trunk and tail of a serpent, and paws. While Virgil talks with Geryon, Dante discovers another group of spirits in Circle Seven~the Userers, those who were violent against Nature and Art. They are not kind to Dante. He returns to Virgil and climbs upon Geryon, who flies him to the landing below.

Fifth Circle
Virgil guides Dante into the next circle where they encounter souls of the Wrathful and Sullen submerged almost entirely in the slippery mud of the river Styx. The Wrathful eternally tear each other apart with their teeth. The Sullen, who had found no joy in life though beauty was all around them, will eternally be stuck in the muddy darkness. Virgil and Dante continue until they arrive at a tower. They see two flames ahead of them, signaling the approach of the oarsman Phlegyas. He takes them across the river where a shadow intent upon attacking Dante rises from the mud. Dante resists the attack, and the attacker, Filippo Argenti, falls back into the water and muck. After praising Dante for his actions, Virgil explains that they are coming to the city of Dis, which is the entrance to lower Hell. This area is reserved for the most violent and fraudulent sinners. Fallen angels refuse to let Dante pass. Virgil goes ahead and returns with the promise of help. Shortly, three Furies~Erinyes, Megaera, and Allecto~summon Medusa to turn Dante into stone. Virgil and Dante cover Dantes eyes when a loud noise sounds, telling of the arrival of a great spirit. The heavenly messenger denounces the fallen angels, opens the gates so that Virgil and Dante can pass, and then abruptly leaves.

Circle Eight
This begins Dantes journey into the lowest levels of Hell. This area is called Malebolge, which means evil pouches. This Eighth Circle contains ten pouches arranged in concentric circles. It is here that fraud is punished. The souls guilty of pandering and seducing walk to and fro while horned demons whip and torment them. In the next pouch are the souls of flatterers mired in excrement. The third pouch is home to Simonists~clergy who traded favor of the church for money. They spend eternity, head down, in holes with their legs and feet aflame. In the forth pouch are Astrologers, Magicians, and Diviners who sinned against God by attempting to foretell the future. Forever their heads will face backward. Virgil and Dante move on to the fifth pouch. Here they find the Barrators~souls who profited from public office~caught in a river of boiling pitch. Suddenly, Virgil and Dante are attacked by demons. Virgil sends Dante to hide while he attempts to convince the demons to guide them across the river. The demons agree and Virgil and Dante proceed to the sixth pouch. The souls they find here wear shining hoods and garments that are lined with lead. These are the souls of Hypocrites who will spend eternity wearing beautiful garments of torcontinued on page 4

Well I perceived one sent from Heaven was he, And to the Master turned; and he made sign That I should quiet stand and bow before him.
Circle Six
They enter Dis to find flaming sepulchers from which emanate sorrowful moaning. Virgil explains that here lie the souls of heretics who are trapped in flaming tombs. Virgil and Dante hesitate at the tomb of Pope Anastasius to adjust to the new loathsome stench. Virgil uses this time to prepare Dante for what is ahead of them. In Circle Seven they will see souls who were violent against neighbors, themselves, nature, and God. In Circle Eight will be those who committed fraud, while in Nine (closest to Satan) will be those who participated in treacherous fraud~that which was done against masters, country, guests, and kindred.

Circle Seven
Virgil leads Dante down a cliff into Circle Seven where they find a waterfall flowing into the depths of Hell. This circle houses the violent. Near the edge spirits recognize Dante and converse about the current state of Flor-

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Inferno: Seeing Sin for What It Really Is
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ment. Virgil pushes Dante to climb a treacherous cliff. Exhausted, Dante collapses as he reaches the top. Virgil continues to push until they reach the seventh pouch in which they find the souls of Thieves who run naked in the dark as serpents chase and torture them. In the eighth pouch Dante sees the souls of Evil Counselors in flames across the darkness. Dante and his companion move on, and in the ninth pouch of the Eighth Circle, they find the Sowers of Scandal and Schism. Dante warns the reader of the gruesomeness to follow: First, they encounter Mohammed, who is disemboweled. He explains that his successor is also in the same state. As they heal, a demon comes with a sword and disembowels them again. This will continue for eternity. Then they meet another soul, that of Bertrand de Born, an evil counselor who led a father and a son to become enemies of each other. He will spend eternity with his brain, which created the plot, severed from his body. As Virgil and Dante continue on their journey, they hear mournful wails and they are assaulted by a terrible stench of rotting human flesh. This is the resting place of the Falsifiers. The souls lie in a monstrous and sickly mass while others wander about uselessly. As Virgil and Dante reach the crest, they hear a powerful horn. Dante glances toward the sound and sees towers off in the distance. Virgil explains that what Dante is actually seeing are giants immobilized in mud. They approach the giants, who surround the final pit. They meet some resistance, but Virgil is able to convince one giant to help Dante enter the tenth pouch. The giant scoops up Dante and places him into the pit~the home of Judas and Satan.

flesh-eating spirit and others to discover their stories and why they are in this place. He is greatly saddened by what he hears. He and Virgil move on to where the souls of Traitors against Their Guests are in ice, their eyes frozen shut by tears. Virgil and Dante next discover the souls of Traitors against Their Benefactors, souls fully covered by ice. Dante carefully steps over these spirits into Satans view. Satan is up to his breast in ice, and he is larger and more threatening than anything Dante could have imagined~arms are wider than the height of the giants, three wings fan to freeze the pit, three heads are red, black, and yellow, six eyes constantly release tears, mouths chew on the worst traitors: Judas, Brutus, and Cassius. Virgil interrupts Dantes perusal to say they must leave. They climb down Satans body to where his legs stand in the dark cave~ the very place where he fell from Heaven. Virgil explains that as they crawled down Satans body, they passed the center of the earth. Dante quickly scrambles back to Earth where he sees stars for the first time since his journey began.
CBS

Circle Nine
Dante and Virgil now enter the Ninth Circle of Hell. It is a frozen wasteland. The first ring contains the souls of Traitors to their Kin. They are immersed in ice to their chins. As Dante makes his way through the scene, he accidently kicks the chin of an immersed spirit. The spirit cries in pain. The tears of those who cry freeze. Dante witnesses a spirit feeding upon the head and neck of another spirit close by. Dante questions the

The Christian Life

As the sun rises, Dante sees a ship quickly nearing their island. Virgil instructs Dante to kneel and fold his hands, for what nears them is an angel. Dante is blinded by the brightness of the angels face. He hears the voices of hundreds singing a psalm. The spirits exit the ship and ask Virgil and Dante how to find the path. Virgil tells them that they are new arrivals as well. The spirits notice that Dante is breathing and realize that Dante is alive. Though Dante recognizes one of the spirits and wishes to spend time with her, the spirits leave to begin their mission to climb the mountain. As they arrive at Ante-Purgatory, Dante becomes frightened when he realizes that he alone casts a shadow. Virgil explains that his shadow exists because he is alive. He explains this to the spirits also, since they

Purgatorio:

have noticed and have become concerned by Dantes shadow. A spirit approaches Dante and asks him to deliver a message back to one of the living. Manfred asks Dante to tell his daughter that he did repent before he died. He explained to Dante that although people may repent in their final moments and are granted salvation, they still must exist in Purgatory for 30 times as long as the time of their rebellion. Virgil and Dante begin their climb to the summit. They arrive at the First Spur, home of the LateRepentant due to negligence. They rest, and Dante notices the position of the sun. Virgil explains that Purgatory is located in the opposite
continued on page 5

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Purgatorio: The Christian Life
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hemisphere from Jerusalem. They climb again, and Virgil comforts Dante with the knowledge that the climb will become easier as they near the summit. They reach the Second Spur where the Late Repentant who died by violence reside. A group of spirits approaches them and, realizing that Dante is alive, begs him to bring messages to their loved ones. Since they died violently before receiving the sacrament, their time in Purgatory will be shorter if their families and friends pray for them. Nearly all of the spirits beg Dante to ask for prayer on their behalf. Virgil explains that Christians leave Purgatory earlier if God hears prayers on their behalf. He also explains that Beatrice will give him finite answers to his questions. Dante is eager then to continue their journey. Virgil encounters the spirit of Sordello, who is awestruck to meet this great poet. Sordello asks where Virgil now lives. Virgil explains that he resides with other virtuous pagans who did not practice the three holy virtues. Sordello then leads Virgil and Dante up the mountain, on the way pointing to other notable residents such as Henry of Navarre, Peter III of Aragon, and Charles I of Anjou. They live in this place because they too neglected to repent. Ones character, though from noble lineage, is not necessarily noble. Night falls and the angels sing. Two angels with flaming swords remain on guard throughout the night. Dante dreams of an eagle lifting him, soaring toward the sun and catching fire. He awakens with a start. Virgil comforts him and explains that as he slept St. Lucia carried him up the mountain to the gates of Purgatory. He sees an angel with a flaming sword guarding the gate. The angel hears of Dantes divine mission and calls him. The angel marks seven Ps upon his forehead; one will be removed as he passes through each of the seven levels of Purgatory. The angel opens the gate and instructs Dante to never look back. He enters to the sound of beautiful voices singing Te Deum laudamus.

reside. Dante experiences several euphoric visions of virtue, as opposed to wrath. He sees a mother handling her son gently when she finds him in a crowded temple. He sees a mother beg her husband to punish a boy for touching their daughter. The husband responds by asking what they would do to someone who intends to harm them if they treat someone who loves them so harshly. He sees a crowd stone a man to death and as the man falls to the ground, he asks God to forgive his attackers.

The Third Terrace

They continue on when a smoke cloud forms; the cloud burns Dantes eyes and skin. Though he can see nothing, he hears the Wrathful souls asking God for forgiveness. They meet the spirit of Marco Lombardo, who agrees to guide them through this terrace. Dante asks Marco what he believes is the cause of human corruption. Marco explains that the world is without virtue and is cloaked with perversity. Some say that the cause of this is in Heaven and some say Hell. Marco begs Dante to find the true cause so that he can explain it to others. Marco explains that men must take responsibility for their actions regardless of the cause. They have free will and make their choices. They must be held accountable for both their good and bad deeds. The poets find themselves outside of the cloud at sunset. Dante again sees visions, this time of wrath.

The First Terrace

Virgil and Dante climb a difficult path to the First Terrace, home of the Prideful. Scenes of humility are upon the nearby marble cliff; they include the Annunciation, King David dancing before the Ark, and a woman begging Emperor Trajan to avenge her sons death. Around them are spirits with huge boulders upon their shoulders. Their time in Purgatory is to be spent focused on their pride. Together they recite a long version of the Lords Prayer. Seeing their humility, Dante believes the living should help them through their prayers. Virgil urges Dante to hurry and shows him the scenes of humility carved into the ground so that in their stooped position under the weight of the boulders the Prideful must contemplate the consequences of pride. Virgil and Dante begin to climb out of the First Terrace as an angel removes one P from Dantes forehead.

The Fourth Terrace

When the visions pass, an angel brushes away another P, and then he and Virgil climb to the next level. They rest and as they do so, Virgil describes the design of Purgatory; all action, both good and evil, is instigated by a form of love. There are two forms of love~ instinctual love and chosen love. Instinctual love is perfect in Gods eyes, while chosen love emerges from mans free will and is prone to error. Love that hurts others consists of pride, envy, and wrath (the first three terraces) while sloth
continued on page 6

The Second Terrace

On the Second Terrace they find the spirits of the Envious. They hear voices singing of fraternal love~the opposite of envy. Finally, they spot the spirits sitting against a wall dressed in such a way that they are almost indistinguishable from the rock. They sit weeping because their eyes are sewn shut. Suddenly a brilliant light forces Dante to shield his eyes. Virgil reminds Dante that any amount of shielding is powerless against the brilliant light of an angel. The angel guides them to the next terrace, where the Wrathful

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(fourth terrace) has a worthy end but insufficient zeal. The upper three levels contain those who loved earthly objects excessively. Dante dreams of a Siren who tempts him with her song. Virgil intervenes to expose her ugliness and corruption. Dante, startled, awakens as an angel approaches to guide them to the next level. Virgil explains that the Siren was the cause of the sin of those who live in the terraces above them. To guard against the Sirens seduction, men must keep their eyes focused on the eternal King.

The Fifth Terrace

In the Fifth Terrace they find the Avaricious and the Prodigal. Dante questions one of the spirits and finds that he was a Pope who did not turn to Heaven until late in life. Therefore, he must spend time in Purgatory. Dante bows deeply out of reverence, but he is quickly corrected. The spirit explains that here everyone is an equal servant of God. As they continue, Dante is amazed by the crowd of souls in this area. Suddenly, there is an earthquake! A spirit explains that Purgatory quakes every time a spirits penance is completed and then rises to Heaven. Dante notices that each time this happens, the spirits who are left behind begin praising the Lord.

Beatrice speaks to the angels of Dantes sinful ways, while Dante attempts to hide in shame. Beatrice explains that in life Dante loved her faithfully, but since her death he has strayed from Gods plan. While in Heaven, she tried to save him but could not. She realized that to achieve this she had to bring him on this journey so that he could see firsthand the torment and torture of lost souls. Beatrice challenges Dante to admit that all she has said is true. Shamefully, Dante admits it is so. Beatrice urges him to explain. Dante explains that after Beatrice died he took comfort and pleasure in earthly vanities. Beatrice responds by telling Dante that his memory of her should prevent him from repeating his mistake. From across the river, Beatrice asks Dante to lift his eyes and look at her. He sees her and her beauty surpasses even that which she had on Earth. In remorse Dante faints away. When he awakens, Matilda leads him across the stream where he can wash away his sin. On the other side the four women dressed in purple take him to Beatrice. They urge Beatrice to lift her veil, and as Dante gazes at her unveiled face, he is entranced and will never again find words to express the experience. The dancing ladies bring Dante out of his trance. He feels like one who has stood looking directly into the sun. He joins the procession at the side of the chariot. When they stop under a tree, Beatrice steps down from the chariot. As she does so, the tree bursts into blossom, the marchers break out singing, and Dante falls asleep under the tree. When he awakens, he is alone with Beatrice and her maids. Beatrice instructs Dante to watch carefully what is about to happen so that he can write about it when he returns home. Dante witnesses an eagle attack the tree as its feathers fall on the chariot. Beatrice turns back a fox that tries to enter the chariot, after which a dragon emerges and breaks the chariot. Feathers cover the chariots broken pieces.
continued on page 7

The Sixth Terrace

As an angel erases another P from Dantes forehead, they move to the next level. In the Sixth Terrace, Dante sees emaciated spirits scurrying about. Here, gluttonous sinners spend their time in Purgatory without food or water. As they contemplate the spirits around them, Virgil and Dante hear a voice urging them forward to the next and final level.

The Seventh Terrace

The Seventh Terrace is where the Lustful serve out their penance. They hear voices singing hymns and reciting examples of chastity. An angel of chastity descends to greet the poets and urges them to cross through the river of fire since there is no other way up the mountain to the Earthly Paradise. Dante refuses, fearful of being burned alive. Virgil encourages him with the reminder that Beatrice is waiting for him. Dante enters the fire, writhing in pain, but follows the voices of the angels guiding him to the other side. After resting, Virgil explains that he has brought Dante as far as he can go. They have passed Hell and Purgatory. Dante must now proceed without him. Into the Earthly Paradise Dante enters. It is filled with soft breezes, chirping birds, and sweet smells. Dante moves to a stream followed by spirits of ancient poets. He sees a beautiful woman, Matilda, picking flowers and singing. As Dante approaches, Matilda tells him that she will answer any questions that puzzle him. Dante asks how streams and breezes can flow here. She explains that the breezes of the Earthly Paradise are a result of the motions of Heaven. Gods will created two fountains that feed the streams. Matilda begins to sing again as they walk along the river. At a bend in the river, Matilda urges Dante to stop and listen. The music he hears is so beautiful that he deeply regrets that Eve caused humankind to be cast from Eden. Ahead are burning candlesticks moving slowly forward while twenty-four elders, crowned in white lilies, follow. Then in line are six-winged creatures covered with eyes. A gold-headed gryphon pulls a chariot. Three ladies dressed in red, white, and green dance on one side of the chariot and on the other side are four ladies dressed in purple. An elderly physician and an elder holding a sword are next with four humble men behind them. One lone being is last. All halt at the sound of thunder. A woman in a white veil appears out of the mist. It is Beatrice.

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A whore and a giant take seats in the chariot. The giant kisses the whore but then beats her when he sees her glance at Dante. Furiously, the giant pulls the chariot into the woods. Beatrice tells Matilda to lead Dante to the river Eunoe. As Dante prepares to enter Heaven, he says, From the most holy water I returned regenerate, in the manner of new trees that are renewed with a new foliage, pure and disposed to mount unto the stars. CBS

Dante ponders all of this, and Beatrice senses his confusion. She addresses his first question, Do souls return to the place in Heaven from which they were born, or do all spirits live in the highest level of Heaven (Empyrean)? She explains that all spirits live in Empyrean but Dante will see their faces in the sphere to which they are associated, because human intellect must see things to believe them. She addresses Dantes second question, Is it fair to blame people for actions forced upon them? Beatrice explains that fault is assigned to the acceptance of an act not to the act itself. Dante looks into Beatrices eyes but must turn away when he finds the brightness too much to bear. Beatrice explains that, as they near Heaven, her beauty and brightness increase because her joy increases. Beatrice addresses Dantes third question, Can people do good deeds to pay for their broken vows? She explains that good deeds can never compensate for broken vows. To break a vow is to use Gods greatest gift, free will, against Him. Vows cannot be unmade. Vows can be replaced at a ratio of six new vows to four replaced vows. She clarifies that all Christians, when they make vows, must follow both the Old and New Testaments.

Hope For The Future

Dante, having seen the Glory of God, cannot find words to express the experience, so he asks Apollo to help him. At high noon of the vernal equinox, Dante and Beatrice travel from Purgatory to Heaven. Turning to look directly into the sun, Dante gazes at Beatrice, his beloved. As he does so, his physical body leaves him. They reach the Sphere of Fire, and they are surrounded by music and brightness. Beatrice explains that since everything moves toward its point of origin, Dantes soul moves quickly toward God.

Paradiso:

And she began: Thou makest thyself so dull With false imagining, that thou seest not What thou wouldst see if thou hadst shaken it off. Thou art not on earth, as thou believest; But lightning, fleeing its appropriate site, Neer ran as thou, who thitherward returnest.
Beatrice guides Dante through the nine celestial spheres of Heaven. These are concentric and spherical.

The Second Sphere: The Sphere of Mercury

Dante and Beatrice are suddenly in the next sphere. The entire sphere glows from Beatrices increased brightness. And Dante is overwhelmed by her increased beauty. Dante sees thousands of souls here in the Sphere of Mercury. He begs them to tell him their stories. One soul glows brighter and then speaks to Dante. Justinian, a sixth-century emperor, tells of his life. Dante asks him to describe the spirits who are in this sphere. Justinian explains that these are souls of people who were virtuous but who, for fame and honor, neglected God. Dante contemplates what he has heard and again Beatrice senses his confusion.
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The First Sphere: The Sphere of the Moon

As fast as an arrow travels when shot, Dante and Beatrice arrive in the Sphere of the Moon. Dante is perplexed by the thickness that surrounds them. He asks Beatrice to explain it. She explains that God emits energy and light, which encounter heavenly bodies variably depending on the nature of their mass. Out of the haze appear faces of seven spirits. One spirit explains that God assigned to this Sphere the spirits of nuns who broke their vow with God. The spirit quickly reinforces that, regardless of a spirits position relative to God, all spirits in Heaven are content. Dante inquires if they will ever ascend to Heaven, and the spirit again assures him that all spirits here are happy with the station to which they are assigned since they receive their assignment through divine love. All souls in Heaven feel perfectly blessed and therefore content.

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She addresses his question, Why was it a just act for Titus to destroy Jerusalem if the Crucifixion was just vengeance for the sins of man? Beatrice reminds Dante that Christ was both man and God. The Crucifixion of Christ, the man, was just but the crucifixion of Christ, the Divine, was sacrilege. Jerusalems destruction was just punishment for the Crucifixion of Christ Divine. Beatrice addresses Dantes second question, Why did God choose Crucifixion to redeem man? Beatrice clarifies that, as God created him, man was perfect, but he fell because of Adams sin. Only Divine Mercy could redeem man. There is no greater act of Divine Mercy than Christs death upon the cross.

St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the spirits present, addresses a question that lingers in Dantes mind, Since Adam and Christ had perfect wisdom, should they not be grouped with Solomon? St. Thomas clarifies that they cannot be compared to Solomon. Adam and Christ were directly created by God; whereas, Solomon was created by a minister of God. His wisdom must be compared only to other great rulers. Beatrice asks, Will the spirits maintain their radiance after the Resurrection of Christ, when they again join with their bodies? The spirit of Solomon himself responds that they will continue their radiance as an outward expression of their inner joy.

The Third Sphere: The Sphere of Venus

Dante realizes Beatrice has again increased in beauty and finds they have arrived in the Sphere of Venus. Dante sees the familiar spirit of Charles Martel, a great ruler who Dante loved. Martel expresses his sorrow for the downfall of his family at the hands of poor rulers. Dante asks him how, in one family, one could be a great ruler while another could rule so poorly. Martel explains that, by Gods design, whether fathers, sons, or brothers, all must have differences for the balance of society. Some people are judges and some are mechanics even within families. It is not healthy for society when men are forced to be what they are not designed to be simply because they are born into the position. Those God designed to be clergy should be clergy and those God designed to be warriors should be warriors. Other spirits come forward one by one to share their life stories.

The Fifth Sphere: The Sphere of Mars

As they have been speaking, second and third circles of dancing lights have joined the first, and Dante realizes they have passed into the Sphere of Mars. Here Dante sees two light beams intersect to form a cross. This experience is more pleasant than anything Dante has ever known. The music stops and out of the light of the cross appears a spirit who Dante recognizes to be that of Cacciaguida, his great-great-grandfather. Dante asks him what his future holds. The spirit reminds Dante that only God knows the future, but he goes on to prophesy of events to come in Dantes life. He encourages Dante to be fearless and to continue in his poetic mission.

The Fourth Sphere: The Sphere of the Sun

Here Dante shares his thoughts about the perfection of the universal plan. He speaks of the stars and the sun and the seasons on Earth. He stresses that if the sun or stars were to veer off course, all on Earth would die. Suddenly Dante finds that he and Beatrice have arrived in the Sphere of the Sun~even brighter than what had come before. In that moment as Dante realizes that his love of God has surpassed his love of Beatrice, they are surrounded by dancing lights singing a beautiful melody. Dante expounds upon the senselessness of the mortal pursuit of wealth and fame. How insignificant it all seems compared to this journey he has been on! The incredible scene around him is pure delight! The dancing of light continues as the spirits sing of Gods glory and Christs dual nature.

The Sixth Sphere: The Sphere of Jupiter

So from the lights that there to me appeared Upgathered through the cross a melody, Which rapt me, not distinguishing the hymn. Well was I ware it was of lofty laud, Because there came to me, Arise and conquer! As unto him who hears and comprehends not. So much enamoured I became therewith, That until then there was not anything That eer had fettered me with such sweet bonds.

Dante notices the increase in Beatrices beauty and realizes they have passed into the Sphere of Jupiter. Here, spirits fly through the air, making various formations as they go. In the formation of an eagle, they speak to Dante in unison about the complexity of divine justice. Dante wonders if a man who has never heard of Christ would be denied a place in Heaven. The spirits, in unison, respond, In the end, some non-Christians will be closer to God than Christians who fell into horrible sin.
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The Seventh Sphere: The Sphere of Saturn

They advance to the sphere of Saturn, where contemplatives who embody temperance reside. Dante meets Peter Damian and discusses with him monasticism, the doctrine of predestination, and the sad state of the church. Beatrice, who represents theology, becomes increasingly lovely here, indicating the contemplatives closer insight into the truth of God.

Dante sees a brilliant point of light with nine circles of light surrounding it. Beatrice explains these circles to be angels and clarifies the order. Starting at the innermost circle the rings of light are Seraphim, Cherubim, the Thrones, the Dominations, the Virtues, the Powers, the Principalities, the Archangels, and the Angels. Beatrice senses the questions on Dantes mind. She explains that God created angels in His image as pure form and pure matter. The diversity of angels is a picture of the diversity of Gods love for them. The beauty of Beatrice again increases as they ascend to the Empyrean level of Heaven. Beatrice prepares Dante by explaining that here he will see angels and saints as they will appear after the Resurrection~in human form. Dante sees a river of light flowing before him. Beatrice instructs him to touch his eyes to the river. Having done so, Dante sees sparks from the river form a great rose of a thousand tiers with light flowing from its center. The souls of all believers form the petals. Angels swarm around the rose like bees. The petals of the rose hold chairs upon which sit the spirits of the most blessed. Dante sees the chair upon which Beatrice now sits and is overcome by great joy. At the top, Dante sees Mary enthroned in light with thousands of angels singing around her. St Bernard explains how the rose is arranged. Around Mary are Eve, Rachel, Sarah, Rebecca, Judith, and Ruth. A separation exists between Christians of the Old Testament who believed in Christ before He was born and those who believed after His birth. Across from the women are the men: St. Francis, St. John the Baptist, St. Benedict, and St. Augustine. As the angels sing Ave Maria, St. Bernard explains that Dante must earn Marys grace before he can see Christ. St. Bernard intervenes in prayer on Dantes behalf.
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The Eighth Sphere: The Sphere of Fixed Stars

Dante and Beatrice ascend into the Sphere of Fixed Stars. The flaming face of Beatrice gazes expectantly up into Heaven and announces the approach of Christ. Dante sees a glorious light encircled by smaller lights. He lowers his eyes to shield against the brilliance. Beatrice smiles at Dante and urges him to look upon this divine scene. Dante sees the full light of Christ rise above him, a Rose (symbol of Mary), and lilies (symbol of the apostles). Gabriel, in the form of a spinning light, fills the scene with sweet hymns devoted to Mary as he circles the Rose. Mary follows the light that is Christ up and up, to heights beyond Dantes sight as the spirits call her name and sing praises. Dante joins in and calls out words of respect to the apostles. By Beatrices request, the spirit of St. Peter comes to teach Dante in the matters of faith. What is faith? Dante quotes Paul, Faith is the substance of the things we hope for and is the evidence of the things not seen. St. Peter is pleased and urges Dante to elaborate. Dante explains that only by faith can he believe the ideas and images he has experienced on this journey. Through the filter of his faith, man comprehends the mortal world. St. Peter is again pleased and asks Dante how he learned these ideas. Dante says he learned about faith through the Holy Scriptures and then testifies of his belief in the Trinity. St. Peter expresses his delight by circling Dante three times. Again by Beatrices request, the spirit of St. James questions Dante on the virtue of hope. What is hope? Dante responds, Hope is the certain expectation of future glory, which is the effect of grace divine and merit precedent. He describes the promises of hope as stated in the Bible. St. Peter and St. James are joined by the spirit of St. John as they dance for joy. St. John quizzes Dante on the subjects of love and charity. Dante speaks of inspiration he found in Johns Gospel and Gods words to Moses. He also mentions Aristotle. St. John asks, Why are you so close to God? Dante explains that through Christs sacrifice his love for God is strengthened. His love for all the creatures of Gods creation strengthens his love for God even more. As the blessed spirits sing, the spirit of St. Peter begins to speak. He condemns the state of the current papacy as perverted and fraudulent and urges Dante to speak out boldly against this corruption when he returns to Earth.

The Ninth Sphere: The Primum Mobile

With this, Beatrice and Dante ascend to the next level, the Primum Mobile. From here, all lower spheres are controlled by the power of Gods love. Beatrice tells Dante that this is where time begins. She goes on about how the world has strayed but she believes it will find redemption.

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Mary is pleased and looks into the center light. St. Bernard urges Dante to look also. Dante sees a scene so glorious, so amazing, that words fail as he attempts to recount it later. The emotion of the moment stays pure and with him, but the description of the scene is lost to him. Dante asks God to help him find the words so that he can share this with the world.

Volume 4, Issue 21
Publishers

And make my tongue of so great puissance, That but a single sparkle of thy glory It may bequeath unto the future people; For by returning to my memory somewhat, And by a little sounding in these verses, More of thy victory shall be conceived.
Dantes description: Within the light he sees substance, accidents, and dispositions of pure love binding together the universe. The Eternal Light contains three circles of differing colors that reflect each other. One circle has a human face that puzzles Dante. Suddenly a revelation that aligns his desires and will flashes before him~a revelation caused by The Love that moves the sun and the other stars, Gods pure love.
CBS

Catherine & David Martin

Editors

Cheryl & Michael Chiapperino

Published on the World Wide Web at ChristianBookSummaries.com.
The mission of Christian Book Summaries is to enhance the ministry of thinking Christians by providing thorough and readable summaries of noteworthy books from Christian publishers.

The opinions expressed are those of the original writers and are not necessarily those of Christian Book Summaries or its Council of Reference. The Divine Comedy, written by Dante Alighieri between 1308 and his death in 1321, is widely considered the central epic poem of Italian literature and is seen as one of the greatest works of world literature. The poems allegorical vision of the Christian afterlife is a culmination of the medieval worldview as it had developed in the Western Church. It helped establish the Tuscan dialect in which it is written as the Italian standard. Public domain. Available at your favorite bookstore or online bookseller. It can also be downloaded free of charge at a variety of websites, including Christian Classics Ethereal Library (www.ccel.org). The author: Considered the finest poet that Italy has ever produced, Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) is also celebrated as a major influence on western European culture. His masterpiece, La divina commedia (The Divine Comedy), is universally known as one of the greatest poems in world literature. The Divine Comedy presents an encyclopedic overview of the mores, attitudes, beliefs, philosophies, and aspirations, as well as the material aspects of the medieval world. Summarized by: Bonnie Church is a website content manager, editor, freelance writer, and avid gardener. She and her husband, Doug, are proud parents of six and grandparents of ten. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. Bonnie, Doug, and their family live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.