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questioning re the three virtues, and more
These last two are surprising inclusions, as they were neither [[Christian]]s nor pre-Christian Jews; it is explained that Trajan was saved by [[hope]] and Ripheus by [[love]] even though they did not know of Jesus. This is one of the more complex points in Dante's theology, as he appears to believe that Christ is not a ''sine qua non'' for [[salvation]]: rather, Christian virtues are, and while these are almost always found in Christ, it is possible to find them elsewhere.
These last two are surprising inclusions, as they were neither [[Christian]]s nor pre-Christian Jews; it is explained that Trajan was saved by [[hope]] and Ripheus by [[love]] even though they did not know of Jesus. This is one of the more complex points in Dante's theology, as he appears to believe that Christ is not a ''sine qua non'' for [[salvation]]: rather, Christian virtues are, and while these are almost always found in Christ, it is possible to find them elsewhere.
== 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:
* [[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 James]] questions Dante about [[hope]]. The [[Epistle of James]] has reassuring words intended to inspire hope, eg James 5:11.
* [[St John]], the 'disciple whom Jesus loved', questions Dante about love.
Dante passes the examination, and then meets and speaks to [[Adam]].
== Ending ==
== Ending ==