De Lubac traced the development of the terminology and concept of “supernatural” in the theologians, and Bartlett finds confirmation of de Lubac’s thesis by looking at hagiographic writings (collected in the 68 volumes of the Acta Sanctorum, published from 1643 to 1925!). He found no use of the word before the mid-13th century, and even then the word is not very common.
Tracing the boundary between natural and supernatural was particularly important as the process of canonization developed. Saints had to perform miracles, and those miracles had to surpass natural causes. Performing an act of “natural magic” didn’t do it; it had to be beyond nature.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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