Man and Sin by Piet Schoonenberg (1964) 2.1AF

[How does this work?

All existence is more than instrumental cause and effect.

All existence is more than secondness.

Secondness is one of three categories. The other categories are thirdness (the realm of normal contexts, mediations, signs, judgments and other triadic relations) and firstness (the realm of potential, possibilities, images, intuitions, intentions, and meanings).

The Christian description of the Father and the Son indicate secondness. But, these actualities belong to the relation of God Recognizing Himself.

The relation pays tribute to thirdness and firstness. Neither thirdness or firstness can be measured. However, both are revealed when secondness, which can be observed and measured, comes into play.]