Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
PURE NATURE
The theoretical condition in which humanity would possess all that, and only that, which belongs to human nature and in which a person could attain to a natural final end only. Although merely possible, the idea of a state of pure nature is defended by the Church in order to safeguard the supernatural order, denied by Luther, Calvin, and Jansen. The Church, therefore, teaches that God could have created human beings without supernatural or preternatural gifts, but not in a condition of sin.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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