Sacred texts blend theology, philosophy, and literary artistry. This deep dive examines recurring themes like divine attributes, human nature, and faith vs. reason across Aquinas's Summa, Butler's Analogy, Chesterton's Everlasting Man, and others, revealing how each work engages with its intellectual tradition.
About Our Editorial Process
This guide is prepared using historical bibliographic research,
literary references, and structured analysis of recognized works.
Our editorial team reviews book selection based on historical
importance, cultural influence, and literary significance.
About This Literary Category
Sacred texts as a literary category encompass works that seek to articulate, defend, or explore religious belief through systematic argument, historical narrative, or philosophical reflection. Emerging from the medieval scholastic tradition, exemplified by Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica (13th century), these texts employ dialectical methods—objections, authorities, and reasoned replies—to address theological questions. The Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment periods saw a shift toward natural theology and historical criticism, as in Joseph Butler's Analogy of Religion (1736) and Auguste Sabatier's Outlines of a Philosophy of Religion (1897). The 19th and 20th centuries introduced psychological and evolutionary perspectives, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Aids to Reflection (1825) and G.K. Chesterton's The Everlasting Man (1925) blending literary style with apologetics. Common characteristics include a focus on divine attributes, human nature, morality, and the relationship between faith and reason. These works often engage with contemporary philosophical movements—Aristotelianism, Kantianism, or Darwinism—and have influenced both religious thought and secular literature. Their international reach spans from European scholasticism to American transcendentalism, as seen in James Marsh's edition of Coleridge. Today, sacred texts remain relevant for their rigorous engagement with existential questions, offering models of argumentation and reflection that continue to inform theology, philosophy, and literary studies.
Publication Chronology & Historical Span of Sacred Texts
Our Sacred Texts digital archive encompasses 10 cataloged masterworks, spanning a chronological range from 2006 (Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition — Themes and Context by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274) to 2025 (Physico-theology — Story, Setting & Ideas by Derham, W. (William), 1657-1735). The following verified timeline details the sequential release of core literary milestones within this domain:
- 2006: Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition — Themes and Context — Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274
- 2006: Summa Theologica, Part I-II (Pars Prima Secundae) From the Complete American Edition — Themes and Context — Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274
- 2006: Summa Theologica, Part III (Tertia Pars) From the Complete American Edition — Edition Insights — Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274
- 2006: Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province — Background and Themes — Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274
- 2011: Outlines of a Philosophy of Religion based on Psychology and History — Edition Insights — Sabatier, Auguste, 1839-1901
- 2014: Aids to Reflection; and, The Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit — Inside the Classic — Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 1772-1834, Marsh, James, 1794-1842 [Contributor]
- 2014: The Philosophy of Natural Theology An Essay in confutation of the scepticism of the present day — Inside the Classic — Jackson, William, 1817?-1891?
- 2016: The Analogy of Religion to the Constitution and Course of Nature To which are added two brief dissertations: I. On personal identity. II. On the nature of virtue. — Background and Themes — Butler, Joseph, 1692-1752, Malcolm, Howard, 1799-1879 [Editor]
- 2021: The Everlasting Man — Context and Discussion — Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith), 1874-1936
- 2025: Physico-theology — Story, Setting & Ideas — Derham, W. (William), 1657-1735
Author Bibliographical Footprint
A breakdown of primary literary contributors and their recorded volume within this collection:
| Author Name | Cataloged Works | Representative Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274 | 4 | Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition — Themes and Context, Summa Theologica, Part I-II (Pars Prima Secundae) From the Complete American Edition — Themes and Context |
| Sabatier, Auguste, 1839-1901 | 1 | Outlines of a Philosophy of Religion based on Psychology and History — Edition Insights |
| Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 1772-1834, Marsh, James, 1794-1842 [Contributor] | 1 | Aids to Reflection; and, The Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit — Inside the Classic |
| Jackson, William, 1817?-1891? | 1 | The Philosophy of Natural Theology An Essay in confutation of the scepticism of the present day — Inside the Classic |
| Butler, Joseph, 1692-1752, Malcolm, Howard, 1799-1879 [Editor] | 1 | The Analogy of Religion to the Constitution and Course of Nature To which are added two brief dissertations: I. On personal identity. II. On the nature of virtue. — Background and Themes |
| Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith), 1874-1936 | 1 | The Everlasting Man — Context and Discussion |
| Derham, W. (William), 1657-1735 | 1 | Physico-theology — Story, Setting & Ideas |
Century Distribution of Sacred Texts Literature
Distribution of published texts categorized by historical centuries:
| Century Span | Volume of Masterpieces |
|---|---|
| 2001 - 2100 | 10 books |
- Oldest publication: 2006
- Newest publication: 2025
- Average publication year: 2012
- Most represented author: Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274 (4 books)
Critical Analysis of Core Masterpieces
Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition — Themes and Context
Historical Significance
Foundational work of scholastic theology, synthesizing Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine. It established the structure and method for subsequent theological inquiry in the Western tradition.
Historical Context
Written in the 13th century, a period of intellectual ferment in Europe with the rediscovery of Aristotle's works. The Summa reflects the medieval university's disputation method and the Church's need to integrate new philosophical insights.
Literary Style
Scholastic dialectic: each article poses a question, lists objections, cites an authority (sed contra), presents Aquinas's reasoned answer, and replies to objections. The style is systematic, precise, and argumentative.
Writing Style
Formal, logical, and dense. Uses numbered objections and replies. Translation by the Fathers of the English Dominican Province preserves the scholastic architecture.
Major Themes
Nature of God, divine attributes, angelic will, knowledge, and appetite. The relationship between faith and reason, and the use of Aristotelian categories to explain theological concepts.
Critical Reception
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of medieval philosophy. Praised for its systematic clarity and depth, though criticized by some for its reliance on Aristotelian metaphysics.
Legacy
Central text in Catholic theology and philosophy. Influenced later thinkers from Dante to modern Thomists. Continues to be studied in seminaries and universities.
Adaptations
Numerous translations and abridgments. The electronic edition includes editorial corrections and formatting changes from the print edition.
Recommended Audience
Students of theology, philosophy, and medieval studies. Readers interested in systematic theology and Aristotelian thought.
Reading Difficulty
High. Requires familiarity with philosophical terminology and patience with the scholastic method.
Main Characters
God, angels, Aristotle (as authority), Augustine (as authority).
Setting
13th-century Europe, primarily Paris. The text is a theological treatise, not a narrative.
Literary Movement
Scholasticism
Similar Books
Summa Theologica, Part I-II; Summa Theologica, Part II-II; Summa Theologica, Part III
Key Literary Concepts
Aquinas, Summa Theologica, scholasticism, angelic will, Aristotelian philosophy
Related Topics
ScholasticismNatural theologyDivine attributesMedieval philosophyThomism
Summa Theologica, Part I-II (Pars Prima Secundae) From the Complete American Edition — Themes and Context
Historical Significance
Second part of Aquinas's magnum opus, focusing on human action, habits, law, and grace. It bridges general theology (Part I) and specific moral theology (Part II-II).
Historical Context
Continuation of the 13th-century scholastic project. Engages with Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics and Augustine's works on grace and free will.
Literary Style
Same dialectical structure as Part I: objections, sed contra, answer, replies. The excerpt on faith and knowledge uses the metaphor of morning and evening knowledge.
Writing Style
Precise and analytical. Uses distinctions between essential and accidental properties. The translation includes bracketed corrections and inline footnotes.
Major Themes
Faith and knowledge, imperfection and perfection, the nature of human acts, law, grace, and the theological virtues.
Critical Reception
Highly influential in moral theology. Praised for its integration of Aristotelian ethics with Christian doctrine.
Legacy
Foundation for Catholic moral theology. Influenced later thinkers on natural law and virtue ethics.
Adaptations
Part of the complete Summa edition. The electronic text includes editorial notes on formatting.
Recommended Audience
Theologians, philosophers, and students of ethics. Readers interested in medieval theories of action and virtue.
Reading Difficulty
High. Requires understanding of Aristotelian concepts and the scholastic method.
Main Characters
God, angels, Aristotle, Augustine.
Setting
13th-century Europe; the text is a theological treatise.
Literary Movement
Scholasticism
Similar Books
Summa Theologica, Part I; Summa Theologica, Part II-II; Summa Theologica, Part III
Key Literary Concepts
Aquinas, faith and reason, moral theology, virtue, scholasticism
Related Topics
Moral theologyVirtue ethicsNatural lawFaith and reasonMedieval philosophy
Summa Theologica, Part III (Tertia Pars) From the Complete American Edition — Edition Insights
Historical Significance
Final part of Aquinas's Summa, focusing on Christology, the sacraments, and the Incarnation. Unfinished due to Aquinas's death.
Historical Context
Written in the late 13th century. Addresses theological controversies about Christ's nature and the hypostatic union.
Literary Style
Dialectical, with objections and replies. The excerpt on Christ's death uses distinctions between person and nature.
Writing Style
Technical and precise. Uses terms like 'hypostasis' and 'assumption.' The translation includes bracketed corrections.
Major Themes
Hypostatic union, Christ's humanity and divinity, the definition of 'man,' the nature of death and resurrection.
Critical Reception
Considered a profound treatment of Christology. Some critics note its unfinished state leaves gaps.
Legacy
Essential for Catholic Christology. Influenced later theological discussions on the Incarnation.
Adaptations
Part of the complete Summa edition. The electronic text includes editorial notes.
Recommended Audience
Theologians and students of Christology. Readers with background in scholastic philosophy.
Reading Difficulty
High. Requires familiarity with technical theological terms.
Main Characters
Christ, the Word, Augustine, Athanasius, John Damascene.
Setting
13th-century Europe; theological treatise.
Literary Movement
Scholasticism
Similar Books
Summa Theologica, Part I; Summa Theologica, Part I-II; Summa Theologica, Part II-II
Key Literary Concepts
Aquinas, Christology, hypostatic union, Incarnation, scholasticism
Related Topics
ChristologyHypostatic unionSacramentsMedieval theologyIncarnation
Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province — Background and Themes
Historical Significance
Largest part of the Summa, treating specific virtues and vices. It applies the general principles of Part I-II to concrete moral issues.
Historical Context
13th-century scholasticism. Engages with Aristotle's ethics and patristic sources like Augustine.
Literary Style
Dialectical, with each article following the standard format. The excerpt on superstition shows Aquinas's method of distinguishing species by object and mode.
Writing Style
Systematic and detailed. Uses distinctions and classifications. The translation includes bracketed references.
Major Themes
Theological virtues (faith, hope, charity), cardinal virtues, vices opposed to each virtue, superstition, religion.
Critical Reception
Highly regarded for its comprehensive moral theology. Some find it overly systematic.
Legacy
Foundation for Catholic moral theology. Influenced later casuistry and virtue ethics.
Adaptations
Part of the complete Summa edition. The electronic text includes editorial notes.
Recommended Audience
Theologians, ethicists, and students of moral philosophy. Readers interested in virtue theory.
Reading Difficulty
High. Requires patience with the scholastic method and classification.
Main Characters
God, Augustine, Aristotle.
Setting
13th-century Europe; theological treatise.
Literary Movement
Scholasticism
Similar Books
Summa Theologica, Part I; Summa Theologica, Part I-II; Summa Theologica, Part III
Key Literary Concepts
Aquinas, moral theology, virtue, superstition, scholasticism
Related Topics
Moral theologyVirtue ethicsSuperstitionReligionMedieval philosophy
Outlines of a Philosophy of Religion based on Psychology and History — Edition Insights
Historical Significance
A key work in liberal Protestant theology, applying psychological and historical methods to religion. It influenced the history of religions school.
Historical Context
Late 19th-century Europe, a time of secularization and the rise of psychology and historical criticism. Sabatier was a leading figure in the French Protestant liberal school.
Literary Style
Architectural metaphor (three-story edifice). The preface emphasizes method over system. The tone is critical and self-reflective.
Writing Style
Clear and argumentative. Uses organic metaphors (seed, leaven). The author positions himself as an observer rather than a dogmatist.
Major Themes
Psychological origin of religion, essence of Christianity, nature of dogma, historical development of religion, symbolism.
Critical Reception
Influential in liberal theology. Criticized by orthodox theologians for its relativism.
Legacy
Contributed to the phenomenological study of religion. Its emphasis on experience over doctrine anticipated later trends.
Adaptations
The electronic edition includes a preface and appendix. No major adaptations.
Recommended Audience
Students of religious studies, theology, and philosophy of religion. Readers interested in liberal Protestant thought.
Reading Difficulty
Moderate. Accessible to general readers with some background in religious studies.
Main Characters
Not applicable; the work is a philosophical treatise.
Setting
Late 19th-century Europe; the text is a philosophical work.
Literary Movement
Liberal Protestantism, History of Religions School
Similar Books
The Everlasting Man; The Analogy of Religion
Key Literary Concepts
Sabatier, philosophy of religion, psychology of religion, liberal theology, dogma
Related Topics
Psychology of religionHistory of religionsLiberal theologyDogmaSymbolism
Aids to Reflection; and, The Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit — Inside the Classic
Historical Significance
Coleridge's major theological work, introducing German idealist thought to English-speaking readers. It influenced the Broad Church movement and American transcendentalism.
Historical Context
Early 19th-century England, a period of religious controversy and philosophical ferment. Coleridge engaged with Jeremy Taylor and German philosophy.
Literary Style
Aphoristic: short, pointed statements followed by expansive commentary. The form invites reflection and dialectical engagement.
Writing Style
Dense, allusive, and poetic. Coleridge uses vivid metaphors (e.g., 'hectic of the soul'). The commentary is layered and often footnoted.
Major Themes
Original sin, faith, reason vs. understanding, the nature of evil, the will, biblical inspiration.
Critical Reception
Praised for its depth and originality. Some critics find it obscure and unsystematic.
Legacy
Influenced John Henry Newman, F.D. Maurice, and American transcendentalists like Emerson. James Marsh's edition helped introduce Coleridge to America.
Adaptations
The volume includes Coleridge's 'Essay on Faith' and 'Notes on the Book of Common Prayer.'
Recommended Audience
Students of theology, philosophy, and Romantic literature. Readers interested in Coleridge's thought.
Reading Difficulty
High. Requires patience with aphoristic style and philosophical terminology.
Main Characters
Coleridge (as author), Jeremy Taylor (as interlocutor).
Setting
Early 19th-century England; the text is a philosophical and theological work.
Literary Movement
Romanticism, Transcendentalism (influence)
Similar Books
The Everlasting Man; Outlines of a Philosophy of Religion
Key Literary Concepts
Coleridge, original sin, aphorism, faith, reason
Related Topics
Original sinRomantic theologyBiblical inspirationFaith and reasonTranscendentalism
The Philosophy of Natural Theology An Essay in confutation of the scepticism of the present day — Inside the Classic
Historical Significance
A prize-winning essay defending natural theology against 19th-century materialism. It represents a late Victorian attempt to reconcile science and religion.
Historical Context
1870s England, following Darwin's Origin of Species. The essay engages with Herbert Spencer and T.H. Huxley. The prize rubric excluded Hegelian philosophy.
Literary Style
Argumentative essay with rhetorical appeals. Uses images of law and necessity. Shifts between abstract reasoning and direct address to the reader.
Writing Style
Clear and persuasive. Uses metaphors like 'Debateable Land' and 'Abiology.' The tone is earnest and combative.
Major Themes
Materialism vs. natural theology, the soul as test, design in nature, freedom vs. necessity, moral law.
Critical Reception
Well-received in its time for its logical arguments. Largely forgotten today.
Legacy
Part of the 19th-century natural theology tradition. Its arguments anticipate later critiques of reductionism.
Adaptations
No major adaptations.
Recommended Audience
Students of philosophy of religion, history of science, and Victorian thought.
Reading Difficulty
Moderate. Accessible to readers with some background in philosophy.
Main Characters
Not applicable; the work is an essay.
Setting
1870s England; the text is a philosophical essay.
Literary Movement
Natural Theology, Victorian Philosophy
Similar Books
Physico-theology; The Analogy of Religion
Key Literary Concepts
natural theology, materialism, design, soul, Jackson
Related Topics
Natural theologyMaterialismDesign argumentVictorian science and religionFree will
The Analogy of Religion to the Constitution and Course of Nature To which are added two brief dissertations: I. On personal identity. II. On the nature of virtue. — Background and Themes
Historical Significance
A classic of Anglican apologetics, using analogy to defend religion against deism. It influenced later thinkers like John Henry Newman and C.S. Lewis.
Historical Context
Early 18th-century England, a time of deism and rational religion. Butler served as a bishop and wrote in response to the deist challenge.
Literary Style
Analogical and systematic. The epigraph from Quintilian announces the method. The prose is measured and cautious.
Writing Style
Logical and legalistic. Butler builds his case step by step, anticipating objections. The editor's conspectus aids navigation.
Major Themes
Analogy between nature and religion, future life, divine government, probation, miracles, revelation.
Critical Reception
Highly regarded for its rigorous argument. Praised by figures like Hume (who engaged with it) and Newman.
Legacy
A standard text in Anglican theology. Its method of analogy remains influential in apologetics.
Adaptations
The 1873 edition includes editor's introduction, conspectus, and indexes.
Recommended Audience
Students of theology, philosophy of religion, and 18th-century thought.
Reading Difficulty
Moderate to high. Requires careful reading due to dense argumentation.
Main Characters
Not applicable; the work is a philosophical treatise.
Setting
Early 18th-century England; the text is a theological work.
Literary Movement
Enlightenment, Anglican Apologetics
Similar Books
The Philosophy of Natural Theology; Physico-theology
Key Literary Concepts
Butler, analogy, natural religion, revealed religion, apologetics
Related Topics
AnalogyNatural religionRevealed religionApologetics18th-century philosophy
The Everlasting Man — Context and Discussion
Historical Significance
Chesterton's response to H.G. Wells's Outline of History, presenting a Christian view of history. It influenced C.S. Lewis's conversion.
Historical Context
1920s England, a period of secularization and world war. Chesterton wrote as a Catholic convert, engaging with modernist historiography.
Literary Style
Paradoxical and image-rich. Uses concrete details (gods of gateposts, barricades) to build larger arguments. The tone is witty and provocative.
Writing Style
Dense with simile and allusion. Chesterton thinks in images and paradoxes. The preface sets up a journey metaphor.
Major Themes
Paganism vs. Christianity, the uniqueness of Christ, the nature of history, domestic piety, the paradox of Rome.
Critical Reception
Praised for its literary brilliance and apologetic power. Some historians criticize its broad generalizations.
Legacy
A classic of Christian apologetics. Influenced Lewis, Tolkien, and later writers.
Adaptations
No major film adaptations. Frequently cited in popular theology.
Recommended Audience
General readers interested in Christian apologetics, history, and Chesterton's wit.
Reading Difficulty
Moderate. Accessible but requires attention to Chesterton's allusions.
Main Characters
Christ, the Romans, Carthaginians (as historical actors).
Setting
Ancient world (Rome, Carthage) and early 20th-century England; the text is a historical and theological essay.
Literary Movement
Christian Apologetics, 20th-century Catholic Literature
Similar Books
Aids to Reflection; Outlines of a Philosophy of Religion
Key Literary Concepts
Chesterton, Everlasting Man, paganism, Christianity, apologetics
Related Topics
Christian apologeticsHistory of religionPaganismRomeIncarnation
Physico-theology — Story, Setting & Ideas
Historical Significance
A key work in the Boyle Lectures, exemplifying the physico-theological tradition that used natural history to demonstrate divine design.
Historical Context
Early 18th-century England, following the scientific revolution. Derham was a Fellow of the Royal Society and drew on contemporary naturalists.
Literary Style
Hybrid of sermon and natural history treatise. Uses detailed anatomical descriptions and classical citations. The notes are often longer than the sermon text.
Writing Style
Empirical and wonder-filled. Derham marvels at the ingenuity of creation. The tone is reverent and scholarly.
Major Themes
Design in nature, animal anatomy, instinct, parental care, the goodness of the Creator.
Critical Reception
Well-received in its time for its empirical detail. Later criticized for its naive teleology.
Legacy
Part of the natural theology tradition that culminated in William Paley. Influenced later arguments from design.
Adaptations
No major adaptations.
Recommended Audience
Students of history of science, natural theology, and 18th-century literature.
Reading Difficulty
Moderate. Accessible to readers interested in natural history.
Main Characters
Not applicable; the work is a series of sermons.
Setting
Early 18th-century England; the text is a theological and scientific work.
Literary Movement
Natural Theology, Boyle Lectures
Similar Books
The Philosophy of Natural Theology; The Analogy of Religion
Key Literary Concepts
Derham, physico-theology, design, natural history, Boyle Lectures
Related Topics
Natural theologyDesign argument18th-century scienceAnimal anatomyBoyle Lectures
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Aquinas's use of Aristotle in the Summa Theologica differ from his use of Augustine?
Aquinas treats Aristotle as a philosophical authority whose concepts (e.g., act and potency, the four causes) provide a framework for theological analysis. He often cites Aristotle's works like De Anima and Physics to frame objections, then refines or reinterprets them. Augustine, by contrast, is used as a theological authority whose writings (e.g., De Trinitate) are cited as authoritative sources in the sed contra. Aquinas harmonizes both, but Aristotle supplies the logical structure while Augustine supplies doctrinal content.
What is the significance of the 'morning and evening' knowledge metaphor in Aquinas's Summa Part I-II?
The metaphor distinguishes two modes of angelic cognition: morning knowledge sees things in the divine essence (perfect), while evening knowledge sees them in their own natures (imperfect). Aquinas uses this to illustrate the hierarchy of knowledge and to argue that faith, which involves imperfect knowledge, is distinct from the beatific vision. The image recurs to structure his account of perfect vs. imperfect cognition, linking epistemology to theology.
How does Butler's use of analogy in The Analogy of Religion differ from the design argument in Derham's Physico-theology?
Butler uses analogy to argue from the observed constitution and course of nature to the probability of religious doctrines (e.g., a future life). He does not focus on intricate design in organisms but on general patterns like probation and moral government. Derham, by contrast, provides detailed anatomical evidence (e.g., the opossum's tail spines) to demonstrate design directly. Butler's method is probabilistic and philosophical; Derham's is empirical and cumulative.
What role does James Marsh's editorial essay play in Coleridge's Aids to Reflection?
Marsh's preliminary essay, included in this edition, helped introduce Coleridge's thought to an American audience. Marsh, a Vermont theologian, framed Coleridge's aphorisms within the context of transcendentalism and German idealism, emphasizing the distinction between reason and understanding. His essay shaped the reception of Coleridge in the United States, influencing figures like Emerson. The essay is not merely introductory but interpretive, guiding readers through Coleridge's dense arguments.
How does Chesterton's The Everlasting Man use the example of Roman household gods to critique paganism?
Chesterton describes Roman household gods as 'clustering like bats' and 'swarming like flies,' emphasizing their domestic, mundane character. He argues that paganism was a 'fireside tale' rooted in agriculture and family life. However, he then contrasts this with Rome's political instability, suggesting that only those with sacred family ties could criticize the state. This paradox—domestic piety fueling political revolt—serves to show that paganism contained both the seeds of stability and revolution, setting the stage for Christianity's transformative role.
Conclusion & Scholarly Summary
This deep dive reveals that sacred texts, from Aquinas's scholastic Summa to Chesterton's literary apologetics, share a common concern with the relationship between the divine and human experience. They employ diverse methods—dialectical reasoning, analogical argument, aphoristic reflection, and historical narrative—to address perennial questions of faith, reason, and morality. Cross-book comparisons highlight how each work engages with its intellectual context while contributing to a broader tradition of theological and philosophical inquiry. Together, they demonstrate the enduring power of sacred texts to provoke thought and inspire belief.
