As for the lengthy exposition from which some people might genuinely benefit or which certain individuals actually require, when it is offered with that intent it is praiseworthy—even though others may have no need of it at all.

The second category of proofs is sound argument presented by the shortest and most direct route. This is truth beyond reproach, yet this is not the place to unfold it in detail, for the subject is far too momentous to be treated as a mere sidebar.

What matters here is to point out that those who say the universe is the effect of an originating cause, and that the prophets’ miracles are nothing more than psychic powers, are in fact worse than many of the polytheists and idol-worshipers. One sign of this is that they do not hold that the acts of worship legislated by the messengers aim principally at perfecting human character. For, like everyone else, they divide wisdom into the theoretical and the practical; and the practical, in their view, is simply the regulation of household, city, and personal conduct. They therefore claim that the revealed laws were instituted solely for this purpose—civic, domestic, and moral administration.

We have already stated that we do not deny whatever truth their words may contain; rather, we reject the falsehood embedded within them and their assertion that nothing the messengers brought is true except what they themselves acknowledge. Thus we censure them for affirming much that is false and denying much that is true.

Indeed, the messengers did come to refine people’s morals, to set their households in order—relations with families and spouses and the like—and to reform their cities through just, lawful governance. Yet all of this is only a portion of the messengers’ objectives. These philosophers reduce the matter to that alone because, in their doctrine, God does not answer the supplication of one who calls upon Him, does not create reward for an obedient worshiper, and, once separated from the body, the souls, in their estimation, receive no recompense distinct from themselves.