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.

A thread. 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.

Why were the Spartans so formidable in battle?

Apart from their military training, the real secret behind the legendary Spartan hoplite was Spartan women.

A thread. 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.

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.

A thread. 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.

Who did the Romans consider to be their heroes?

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.

A thread. 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.

Let me save you some time.

Aliens are demons.

A thread. Demons (or more specifically, angelic beings / angels) are capable of manipulating and/or affecting the material world and our perception of it.

This is how objects/people can levitate or we can see visions.

We have a moral obligation to follow just laws.

But in order for a law to be just, it must fulfil certain conditions.

A thread. 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.

What is the best form of government?

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".

Amidst the excesses of modern society, the Catholic Church's principle of subsidiarity offers a balanced approach to government and governance.

Discover how this principle empowers communities while maintaining social order and the common good.

A thread. The Catholic Church's doctrine of subsidiarity maintains that social, political, and economic matters ought to be handled by the smallest and most immediate authority.

This aligns with the teleological order of creation, where entities fulfil their nature by exercising appropriate autonomy.

Aristotle believed that in order to live a good life, one must live virtuously.

Discover the four cardinal virtues, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, and how these serve as the foundation of Western ethics, philosophy, and moral theology.

A thread. Prudence (phronesis) or practical wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on reason and experience. It also enables an individual to discern the right course of action in a given situation in accordance with one's state in life.

How did the ancient Romans understand faith and religion?

Discover the intriguing contrast between ritualistic devotion and personal belief, where divine favour depended on duty, not emotion.

A thread. The Roman approach to religion and faith was characterised by a distinct emphasis on ritual observance and contractual relationships with the divine, rather than personal belief or emotional connection.

This perspective was deeply rooted in the Roman concept of religio, which prioritised correct performance of religious rites and sacrifices over individual fides or spiritual experiences.

Have you ever wondered why Christians aren't bound by some Laws of the Old Testament?

In this thread, I'll explain the hierarchy of laws, and how understanding the distinction between eternal, divine, natural, and positive law informs our religious obligations. Eternal Law is the overarching order established by God's wisdom, and 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.

Are you seeking to grow in virtue and holiness?

In this thread, I'll explain each of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Discover how these gifts transform our lives and strengthen our relationship with God. Wisdom allows us to see things from God's perspective in order to recognise the true value of people, events, and things within salvation history. It helps us prioritise and make decisions that align with Divine Providence.

We have a moral obligation to follow just laws.

However, in order for a law to be just, it must fulfil certain conditions. In order for a law to be just, it must be an ordinance of reason, formulated by legitimate authority, for the common good of the community which it governs.

Ever wondered why some friendships last a lifetime while others fade away?

Dive into Aristotle's timeless wisdom on the three levels of friendship – utility, pleasure, and virtue – and discover how these connections shape our lives and happiness. Friendships of utility are formed when people derive some benefit from each other.

Aristotle explains, "Those who love each other for their utility do not love each other for themselves but in virtue of some good which they get from each other".

These relationships are often transient, lasting only as long as the mutual benefit exists.

For example, business partnerships or neighbours who trade favours might fall into this category.

It is only when one grows older and more mature that one can truly appreciate the classics.

Last night, I finished re-reading Marcus Aurelius' Meditations for the first time.

Here are the greatest insights from one of the most important philosophical texts in Western history. Love of family, love of truth, love of justice.

– Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (Meditations)

What is the best form of government?

A monarchy, an aristocracy, a democracy, or something in between?

In this thread, we'll explore 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".

St Thomas Aquinas on matters relating to foreigners.

Man's relations with foreigners are twofold: peaceful, and hostile: and in directing both kinds of relation the Law contained suitable precepts. The Israelites offered three opportunities of peaceful relations with foreigners.

First, when foreigners passed through their land as travellers. Secondly, when they came to dwell in their land as newcomers. And in both these respects the Law made kind provision in its precepts. Thirdly, when any foreigners wished to be admitted entirely to their fellowship and mode of worship.

What if the secret to eternal happiness was found in three simple yet profound virtues?

In this thread, I’ll explain the transformative power of the three theological virtues, and how these can improve your relationship with God and your neighbour. Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and all that He has revealed to us through scripture and tradition. It is also a commitment to living according to His will.

Faith allows us to assent to divine truths, even when they surpass our human understanding.

Are you striving to live a good and virtuous life, but struggle to find the right balance?

In this thread, I’ll explain Aristotle's Golden Mean, where true virtue lies not in extremes but in the delicate balance between excess and deficiency. Aristotle maintains that the virtues exist in the Golden Mean (or middle) between two vices of excess (too much) and deficiency (too little).

For example; courage is a virtue, but excessive courage is a vice (recklessness), and the deficiency of courage is also a vice (cowardice).

Have you ever wondered why Catholic and Orthodox Christians venerate saints while claiming to worship only one God?

In this thread, I’ll explain the hierarchy of honours, and how the distinctions between dulia, hyperdulia, and latria help us understand Christian theology. Dulia is the veneration or honour given to the saints, recognising them as servants of God and worthy of imitation on account of their heroic virtue.

It involves personal or public devotions, praying for their intercession (assistance), and honouring their relics or shrines.

Within the Western tradition, there are four distinct forms of love.

In this thread, we examine storge, philia, eros, and agape love, and how these distinctions help us understand the Greatest Commandment within the Old and New Testaments. The first and lowest form of love is storge. This is a love characterised by a natural bond of affection wherein one becomes accustomed to another's presence.