John Scotus Eriugena and "De Divisione Naturae"

John Scotus Eriugena (c. 810–c. 877), an Irish scholar at the Carolingian court of Charles the Bald in Francia, became renowned for translating Greek theological works (notably Pseudo-Dionysius) into Latin and for his daring synthesis of philosophy and theology. His major work, "De Divisione Naturae" (also known as "Periphyseon"), employs Neoplatonic language to describe all reality as “nature” in a vast order of procession and return. Though often brilliant, the book can sound as if God and creation flow into one another, risking confusion about the Creator–creature distinction, the reality of sin, and the necessity of redemption.

The April 3, 1685 Circulation of a Prohibitory Bull

On April 3, 1685, a papal bull associated with Pope Gregory XIII was circulated to forbid the reading of Eriugena’s "De Divisione Naturae". Coming after earlier medieval condemnations and restrictions, this renewed action sought to shield ordinary believers from speculative teaching that could blur central gospel truths. In an age when universities and private libraries were expanding, the reassertion of limits functioned like a doctrinal guardrail: learned debate might continue under oversight, but public consumption of perilous material was discouraged for the sake of souls.

Behind such measures lay pastoral concern as well as institutional authority. Priests, teachers, and faithful guardians of doctrine often showed a quiet heroism—resisting novelty, correcting error, and enduring criticism to preserve clarity about God’s holiness and saving grace.

Doctrinal Stakes and Christian Discernment

Scripture insists that God alone is uncreated and worthy of worship, and that humanity must not dissolve Him into “nature.” “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen.” (Romans 1:25). Likewise, salvation is not an ascent into the divine by speculation, but God’s merciful rescue of sinners: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8).

The 1685 restriction remains a caution and a call: pursue learning with humility, test every claim by Scripture, and let reverence for God’s Word keep curiosity from becoming confusion.