How do we know which laws to obey, and which laws take precedence over others?
In Christian theology, there are four types of laws that are integral to understanding our religious and moral obligations.
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Eternal law is the overarching order established by God's wisdom. Eternal Law is the ultimate source of all other laws, reflecting God's plan for creation.
Eternal Law is immutable and applies universally to all, directing them towards their ultimate end.
Divine law is the portion of eternal law that is revealed through supernatural revelation and the teachings of the Church.
Divine law assists us in understanding the eternal law, which is ultimately incomprehensible due to the limitation of the human intellect.
Natural law is described as the rational creature's participation in the eternal law and is discernible through reason.
Natural law is universal and unchanging. It directs us to act in accordance with their nature, to pursue good and avoid evil.
Positive law consists of the laws promulgated by human authorities, and includes both civil and ecclesiastical laws.
Positive laws are subject to change. However, if a positive law contradicts the divine, eternal or natural law, it is rendered unjust and illegitimate.
Understanding the distinctions between eternal, divine, natural, and positive law is invaluable to us as Christians and citizens, as it assists us in determining our religious and moral obligations – particularly when we are faced with ethical challenges.
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Apart from their military training, the real secret behind the legendary Spartan hoplite was Spartan women.
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Spartan women were fundamentally important in maintaining the Spartan city-state's military ethos.
Unlike women in neighbouring city-states, Spartan women enjoyed a level of freedom and respect that was almost unparalleled in the ancient world.
Spartan women were educated and trained to be almost as formidable as their men, which reinforced the city-state's martial ethos.
According to Xenophon, Spartan girls were expected to "exercise no less than the male" as "healthier children will be born if both parents are strong".
A Mixed Government – which blends Monarchy, Aristocracy, and Democracy – is the best form of government.
But ancient philosopher and political theorists also believed that certain limitations needed to be applied to democracy in order for the system to work.
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We must begin with two distinctions.
A Monarchy can either be hereditary (King or Queen) or elected (President).
An Aristocracy is intrinsically connected to meritocracy, where the right to govern is given to those who have demonstrated excellence.
All eligible citizens must cast physical votes, publicly and voluntarily, and this process must be supervised by non-partisan magistrates.
This is to maintain the integrity of the democratic process within the city-state.
Let me introduce you to four of the most legendary figures you've probably never heard of.
Publius Horatius Cocles, Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, Marcus Atilius Regulus, and Gaius Popillius Laeneas.
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Publius Horatius Cocles is a legendary figure in early Roman history, known for his heroic defence of Rome against the Etruscan army led by Lars Porsena.
In 508 BC, when the Etruscans were advancing on Rome, Horatius and two companions positioned themselves at the Pons Sublicius, the only bridge leading into the city.
As the enemy approached, Horatius ordered his fellow Romans to destroy the bridge behind him while he held off the Etruscan forces.
Displaying extraordinary courage, Horatius fought alone against the Etruscan army after sending his two companions back to safety. He continued to defend the narrow bridge until it was fully destroyed, preventing the enemy from crossing.
With the bridge collapsing, Horatius, fully armoured, leaped into the Tiber River and swam to safety on the Roman side, all while under enemy fire.
This act of bravery forced Lars Porsena to abandon his direct assault on Rome and resort to a siege instead. Horatius' heroic stand became a symbol of Roman valour and self-sacrifice.
Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was a Roman patrician and statesman who became a legendary figure in the early Roman Republic.
In 458 BC, when Rome was threatened by the neighbouring Aequi tribe, Cincinnatus was called upon to serve as dictator and lead the Roman army.
Messengers from the Senate found Cincinnatus working on his small farm, and upon hearing of Rome's dire situation, he immediately left his plow in the field, donned his toga, and answered the call to serve.
Cincinnatus swiftly organised an army and led them to victory against the Aequi, defeating them in just 15 days.
After this remarkable success, Cincinnatus immediately relinquished his position as dictator and returned to his farm and plow.
This act of civic virtue and selfless leadership made Cincinnatus a symbol of ideal Roman citizenship, embodying the values of simplicity, duty, and humility.
But in order for a law to be just, it must fulfil certain conditions.
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In order for a law to be just, it must be a public ordinance of reason, and promulgated by a legitimate authority for the common good of the community which it governs.
In order for a law to be just, it must not contradict eternal law, divine law, or the natural law, as human law has no power to render licit what is unlawful by higher authority.
A monarchy, an aristocracy, a democracy, or something in between?
Discover St Thomas Aquinas' view on the ideal form of government, and why this medieval thinker's political philosophy still resonates with us today.
St Thomas Aquinas believed that in theory, monarchy was the best form of government.
In De Regno, he argues that unity and peace are best achieved under the rule of one person (hereditary or elected), comparing it to how God rules the universe or how the soul governs the body.
He states, "If to provide itself with a king belong to the right of any multitude, it is not unjust that the king set up by that multitude be destroyed or his power restricted, if he tyrannically abuse the royal power".
However, St Thomas Aquinas recognised the potential dangers of monarchy degenerating into tyranny. To prevent this, he advocated for a mixed government that incorporated elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy.
In the Summa Theologiae, he describes his ideal mixed government as "partly kingdom, since there is one at the head of all; partly aristocracy, in so far as a number of persons are set in authority; partly democracy, i.e. government by the people, in so far as the rulers can be chosen from the people, and the people have the right to choose their rulers".