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The most profound essential doctrines and sacramental initiations were revealed only gradually after the catechumens had been initiated by [[Baptism]] into Christ. In conformity with the usage of the inspired writers of the New Testament scriptures, [[theologian]]s designate with the word "mystery" and "mysteries" the divinely revealed truths that surpass the powers of natural reason to fully understand<ref>See Matthew 13:11; Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10; Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 4:11; 13:2; 15:51; Ephesians 3:3-6, 9-10; 5:32; 6:19; Colossians 1:26-28; 2:2-3; 4:3; 1 Timothy 3:9, 16; Revelation 10:7. Various forms of the word μυστέριον ''mysterion'' appear 27 times in the New Testament—mysteries of righteousness, of knowledge both good and evil, and of wickedness (2 Thessalonians 2:7; Revelation 17:5-7).</ref>, but which are not against intelligent reason<ref>There are many things in nature that science does not understand, mysteries, such as the nature of [[Gravitation|gravity]], and the aerodynamics of how a bee is able to fly. See [[Philosophical naturalism]].</ref>.  

The most profound essential doctrines and sacramental initiations were revealed only gradually after the catechumens had been initiated by [[Baptism]] into Christ. In conformity with the usage of the inspired writers of the New Testament scriptures, [[theologian]]s designate with the word "mystery" and "mysteries" the divinely revealed truths that surpass the powers of natural reason to fully understand<ref>See Matthew 13:11; Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10; Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 4:11; 13:2; 15:51; Ephesians 3:3-6, 9-10; 5:32; 6:19; Colossians 1:26-28; 2:2-3; 4:3; 1 Timothy 3:9, 16; Revelation 10:7. Various forms of the word μυστέριον ''mysterion'' appear 27 times in the New Testament—mysteries of righteousness, of knowledge both good and evil, and of wickedness (2 Thessalonians 2:7; Revelation 17:5-7).</ref>, but which are not against intelligent reason<ref>There are many things in nature that science does not understand, mysteries, such as the nature of [[Gravitation|gravity]], and the aerodynamics of how a bee is able to fly. See [[Philosophical naturalism]].</ref>.  

Knowledge of the sacred doctrines was kept from outsiders to avoid any possibility of [[blasphemy]] and [[sacrilege]] by those being instructed, but who not yet had any commitment, and ridicule by pagan outsiders. This was according to the word of Jesus in Matthew 7:6{{cquote|Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you. (''turn to attack you'')}}

Knowledge of the sacred doctrines was kept from outsiders to avoid any possibility of [[blasphemy]] and [[sacrilege]] by those being instructed, but who not yet had made any commitment, and the possibility of ridicule by pagan outsiders. This was according to the word of Jesus in Matthew 7:6{{cquote|Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and rend you. (''turn to attack you'')}}

==The Discipline of the Secret==

==The Discipline of the Secret==