Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
SUBLIME
That which is beautiful in the highest degree. The sublimity may be the greatest within a certain class or category, as among flowers or scenes; it may be the greatest in the physical order; or in the moral order. Among creatures the greatest beauty is spiritual. And sublime above all creatures is the Creator. His sublimity is taught by revelation, in condemning those who practice idolatry. Some have been so charmed by the beauty of creatures, "they have taken things for gods. Let them know how much the Lord of these excels them, since the very Author of beauty has created them" (Wisodm 13:3). (Etym. Latin sublimare, to refine, purify; from sublimis, uplifted, high.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
