Canons of Dort 3/4.4 says
Do the words "whatever its precise character" mean and why are they included? What doctrine do these words defend, dispute, or define?
Article 4: The Inadequacy of the Light of Nature
There is, to be sure, a certain light of nature remaining in all people after the fall, by virtue of which they retain some notions about God, natural things, and the difference between what is moral and immoral, and demonstrate a certain eagerness for virtue and for good outward behavior. But this light of nature is far from enabling humans to come to a saving knowledge of God and conversion to him—so far, in fact, that they do not use it rightly even in matters of nature and society. Instead, in various ways they completely distort this light, whatever its precise character, and suppress it in unrighteousness. In doing so all people render themselves without excuse before God.Do the words "whatever its precise character" mean and why are they included? What doctrine do these words defend, dispute, or define?