Meaning: This quote by Denis Diderot, a prominent figure of the Enlightenment period, addresses the distinction between the certainty that arises from religious revelation and the actual truths revealed through such revelations. Diderot was a French philosopher, art critic, and writer who is best known for serving as the chief editor of the *Encyclopédie*, a comprehensive compilation of knowledge and ideas. His views on theology and religion were often critical, and this quote reflects his skepticism towards the unquestioning acceptance of religious doctrines.

Diderot's statement highlights the importance of discerning between the experience of certainty that stems from religious revelation and the content of the revelations themselves. The "certainty that follows revelation" refers to the conviction or assurance that arises within individuals as a result of their religious experiences or encounters with divine messages. This certainty may be deeply personal and powerful, shaping the beliefs and actions of believers. However, Diderot emphasizes that this subjective certainty should not be equated with the actual truths that are revealed through religious teachings and scriptures.

In this context, Diderot challenges the notion that the certainty resulting from religious revelation necessarily corresponds to the objective truths of the revealed doctrines. He suggests that individuals, particularly theologians, should exercise critical discernment and intellectual rigor when evaluating the content and implications of religious revelations. Rather than conflating the subjective experience of certainty with the objective veracity of the revealed truths, Diderot advocates for a careful examination of the doctrines and their implications.

Diderot's perspective can be seen as part of the broader Enlightenment movement, which championed rational inquiry, empirical evidence, and critical thinking. During the Enlightenment, thinkers sought to question traditional authority and dogma, advocating for the application of reason and evidence in understanding the world and shaping human society. Diderot's emphasis on distinguishing between personal certainty and revealed truths aligns with these broader intellectual currents, as it encourages individuals to engage in independent critical reflection rather than relying solely on received authority or personal conviction.

Furthermore, Diderot's quote can be interpreted as a critique of theological dogmatism and the tendency to conflate personal faith experiences with objective truths. He challenges theologians, who are scholars of religious doctrines, to avoid mistaking the subjective certainty of believers for the actual content and implications of the doctrines they study. By making this distinction, Diderot encourages theologians to engage in rigorous scholarship and critical analysis, acknowledging the complexities and potential limitations of religious revelations.

In conclusion, Denis Diderot's quote underscores the importance of distinguishing between the certainty that arises from religious revelation and the actual truths revealed through such experiences. It reflects his critical stance towards theological dogmatism and his advocacy for intellectual discernment and critical inquiry in matters of faith and religious doctrine. This perspective aligns with the Enlightenment ideals of reason, skepticism, and the pursuit of knowledge through critical examination, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the relationship between subjective certainty and objective truths in the context of religious belief and revelation.