De Arte Cabalistica (Latin for On the Art of Kabbalah) is a 1517 text by the German Renaissance humanist scholar Johann Reuchlin, which deals with his thoughts on Kabbalah. In it, he puts forward the view that the theosophic philosophy of Kabbalah could be of great use in the defence of Christianity and the reconciliation of science with the mysteries of faith. It builds on his earlier work De Verbo Mirifico.

Contents

The text is structured as a three-part dialogue between characters representing different philosophical and religious traditions: Philolaus the Pythagorean, Simon the Jew, and Marranus the Muslim. Through these dialogues, Reuchlin explores the integration of Kabbalistic thought with Christian theology and other philosophical traditions.

Part one: Kabbalah and Christianity

Reuchlin discusses the origins and principles of Kabbalah, emphasizing its compatibility with Christian beliefs. He argues that Kabbalistic theosophy can serve as a powerful tool for defending Christianity and reconciling scientific knowledge with spiritual mysteries.

Part two: philosophical underpinnings

The second part delves into the philosophical aspects of Kabbalah, integrating Pythagorean and Platonic thought. Reuchlin presents Kabbalah as a means to achieve a deeper understanding of the divine, highlighting its potential to bridge gaps between different philosophical and theological systems.

Part three: practical applications and synthesis

In the final section, Reuchlin synthesizes the previous discussions, illustrating how Kabbalistic principles can be applied to Christian theology. He underscores the importance of mystical and esoteric knowledge in enhancing spiritual practice and understanding.

Editions

English translations