St Thomas Aquinas & Natural Moral Law
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 3.1.3
St Thomas Aquinas & Natural Moral Law
St Thomas Aquinas
- Thomas Aquinas was a Catholic priest, philosopher and theologian who lived from 1225 to 1274.
- Aquinas developed an ethical theory known as Natural Law, which gives people clear guidelines to help them make moral decisions in life.
- Aquinas’ work forms part of the magisterium.
- The magisterium is the official teaching of the Catholic Church.
Laws set by God
- Aquinas stated that God set certain laws and that humans should follow these laws when applying them to decision-making throughout life.
- God created everything in nature. As long as human beings respect His plan, everything will work for their well-being.
- Natural Law is how human beings cooperate with God’s plan.
The Five Primary Precepts
- These are the laws, according to Aquinas:
- Preserve life (protect all human life).
- Continue the species through reproduction
- Educate children (raise children in the faith).
- Live in an ordered society (respect God’s law).
- Worship God.
Interpreting Aquinas' natural law
- The Catholic Church uses Natural Moral Law today to guide its teachings on modern moral issues.
- Example: The Church opposes abortion and euthanasia because one of the laws says that all human life should be protected.
- Example: The Church is against the use of artificial contraception because sex should allow for reproduction and continuation of the species.
Secondary precepts
- Secondary precepts are the specific rules created from the Five Primary Precepts.
- Secondary precepts are practical and specific guidelines to help humans follow their God-given purpose.
- Example: Secondary precepts from “Live in an ordered society” could include keeping promises and not stealing from others.
Test yourself on St Thomas Aquinas & Natural Moral Law
Why does the Catholic Church oppose abortion, according to Aquinas' Natural Moral Law?
According to Aquinas, how do humans know what is good?
What is the purpose of secondary precepts in Aquinas' Natural Moral Law?
Select the correct statement for each pair.
Select the correct statement for each pair.