Metaphysics

The Three Principles of the Divine Being

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Jakob Böhme

1619

The first of Böhme's systematic works, written to clarify and deepen the vision of Aurora. He distinguishes three interpenetrating principles or worlds: the dark fire of divine wrath, the light of divine love, and the outer material world — each real, each present simultaneously in God, humanity, and nature. It is here that Böhme develops his signature method of using the language of fire, water, and light to map both the inner life of God and the structure of creation.