The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
From Murder on to Other Things
October 21, 1998
In simply determining that it is unlawful to kill the innocent, as he does in the Summa (II-II, Q.64, Art. 6), has Aquinas provided us with any significant philosophy that we can use?
To the reasonable person, it seems rather obvious even before we read his philosophy that murder is wrong. But, this question is just the starting point for all of the Church’s teaching about life.
Aquinas quotes scripture, "The innocent and just person thou shalt not put to death" (Exodus 23:7). He explains that man should "love the nature God has made" and that "the life of righteous men preserves and forwards the common good." He finally points out that "God is Lord of death and life."
In these brief statements, one can find the reason why abortion and contraception are wrong – because they do not allow one to "love the nature God has made." Suicide and Euthanasia are wrong because "God is Lord of death and life."
But also, the scripture reading and Aquinas reference to "the common good" allow for certain instances in which the death penalty might justly be used.
Aquinas here touches on all of what Pope John Paul II calls "The Gospel of Life." Further examinations of these life issues will be the subject of future Aquinas Lessons.
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
