What did St Thomas Aquinas say about unjust laws?
Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.
What is a quote from Thomas Aquinas?
Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do. There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship. To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary.
What does Thomas Aquinas say about freedom?
The freedom for excellence is the power to be the best human being we can be. Here the rules, or what makes for a good human being, are the grounding for freedom. One who observes these rules has the freedom to become excellent. According to Aquinas, intellect and will have command over free will.
How does Aquinas differentiate between just and unjust laws?
A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas : An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law.
What does Aquinas believe about whether we need to obey the laws of our country?
While Thomas Aquinas firmly believed that citizens should obey those in authority, he justifies civil disobedience under two circumstances; civilians can disobey during the reign of a tyrant or when the government enforces unjust laws.
What is the famous saying of St Thomas the Apostle?
He is most famous for questioning Jesus’ resurrection when first told of it, then proclaiming “My Lord and my God” on seeing Jesus in John 20:28.
What is intellect and free will?
God has implanted in our souls the gift of “intellect” and the gift of a “free will,” – that is, the gift of intelligence, and the gift of making choices – and God wants us to use these gifts in his service.
What does St Augustine say about unjust laws?
One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that ‘an unjust law is no law at all.
Who does King quote when he says that an unjust law is no law at all?
St. Augustine
Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that “an unjust law is no law at all.”
What is St Thomas patron saint of?
He was invited to construct a palace by King Gondophorus, but Saint Thomas preferred to build a “heavenly palace” and distributed the money he had received to the poor. He is the patron saint of judges and architects because of his building work in India.