Question on Aquinas?

Question

According to Aquinas there are four kinds of law (Eternal, Natural, Human, and Divine). In some ways Human Law and Divine Law appear to complement one another: the former governing our external actions (what can be observed by others), the latter governing our internal thoughts/intentions (what others cannot see). Are these two laws equally important or is one or the other more essential to our fulfillment as human beings? Explain. Thanks! :)

Answer 1

Divine Law supercedes Human Law for what is action without purpose? What is art but a reflection of the artists' intent. In fact, you can completely separate your actions from your intent: praying while doing chores, thinking about something while driving, etc. What is intent without application; unused potential - tragedy.
They do compliment each other and best when used together - singing hymns. Doing and thinking at the same time - concentrating on your actions.
Both are essential in fulfillment.

Answer 2

I think that St. Thomas is referring to Divine Law as the Old and New Testaments (cf. Prima Secundae, Q. 91, A.5, Sed Contra, where he says, "Therefore, the Divine Law is two-fold: namely, the Old Law and the New Law"). If this is the case, then the Human Law is what governs our natural growth and fulfillment as human beings, whereas the Divine Law (especially the Law of the New Covenant, that is the New Law that is Christ -- the Law of Charity) is what would govern our supernatural growth and fulfillment.

The two are obviously not in dialectical opposition to each other, since the Law of Grace always respects the order of Nature: it builds upon it, but also presupposes it.

So, to conclude, the Human and Divine Laws guide us to our two finalities: our human one on the one side, our divine finality on the other side. Our human finality is to be fully "blossomed" at the human level; our divine finality is to be in Communion with God (the Visio beatifica).

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

It would be great if they complemented eachother. Sadly, they don't. You're right about them both governing different aspects of us (internal/external). But all that means is that they cause conflict within us. What we feel is right and what we end up doing are often two very different things.

Human law is a travesty, and human control is the root of all evil.

Answer 4

They can't be separated. In order to act you have to have an intention or thought. If your intention is not sincere then your action will reflect that and vice-versa. If I had to choose the one I think cultivates us in terms of our actions it would be to examine our intentions. Right intention (in the purest meaning of right and no I'm not talking about religion) equals right action. Thanks for asking.

Answer 5

Depends if you are practical person or an ascetic person.