Changes

== Towards the Empyrean ==

== Towards the Empyrean ==

After the sphere of Saturn, the system of categorization that has characterised the Divine Comedy up to this point is abandoned. In the Heaven of the fixed stars, instead of seeing a particular group of souls, Dante first sees a triumphant vision of [[Jesus]], [[Mary]] and the [[saint]]s. Jesus and Mary then ascend into the higher reaches of Heaven, and Dante receives an examination on the three theological [[virtue]]s:

After the sphere of Saturn, the system of categorization that has characterised the Divine Comedy up to this point is abandoned. In the Heaven of the fixed stars, instead of seeing a particular group of souls, Dante first sees a triumphant vision of [[Jesus]], [[Mary]] and the [[saint]]s. Jesus and Mary then ascend into the higher reaches of Heaven, and Dante receives an examination on the three theological [[virtue]]s:

* [[St Peter]] questions him about the nature of [[faith]]. Peter showed the strongest faith in Christ of all the [[apostle]]s, and was (briefly) able to walk on water because of it. As the rock on which the [[church]] is built, he can also symbolise the [[Christian]] faith as a whole.

* [[St Peter]] questions him about the nature of [[faith]]. Peter showed the strongest faith in Christ of all the [[apostle]]s, and was (briefly) able to walk on water because of it.

* [[St James]] questions Dante about [[hope]]. The [[Epistle of James]] has reassuring words intended to inspire hope, e.g. James 5:11.

* [[St James]] questions Dante about [[hope]]. The [[Epistle of James]] has reassuring words intended to inspire hope, e.g. James 5:11.

* [[St John]], the 'disciple whom Jesus loved', questions Dante about love.

* [[St John]], the 'disciple whom Jesus loved', questions Dante about love.