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The Good Citizen Project is just that–a project or, stated differently, a collaborative and ongoing effort to navigate Christian citizenship and live out the gospel in post-Christian America. To that end, we often look back to notable Christians for their example and guidance. Why? Well, because Christians have been navigating the tensions of citizenship long before George Washington didn’t chop down a cherry tree.
So, let’s take a look at the life and times of Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), a brilliant theologian and scholar who wrote prolifically on the intersection of faith and public life. Though his nickname was “The Dumb Ox,” Auqinas’ work is dumbfounding in its breadth, insight and continued relevance. And, his writings, such as Summa Theologica, have secured his place as (arguably) the greatest Christian thinker of his millennium.
In this episode, I discussed the example of Thomas Aquinas with Dr. Evan Lenow, who holds a Ph. D. in Christian Ethics, has studied Aquinas and his works extensively, and serves as the Director of Church and Minister Relations at Mississippi College.
Key Takeaways:
- Historical Reputation. Many evangelical Christians have pegged Thomas Aquinas as a medieval Catholic scholar that mixed Scripture and Aristotle’s philosophy. Here’s why that is inaccurate or least incomplete.
- Life Story. A brief biographical sketch of Thomas Aquinas.
- The Importance of Public Theology. Neither Jesus nor Paul spoke specifically about how to exercise Christian citizenship in a democratic republic such as the United States. So, how did Thomas Aquinas think about citizenship in his context?
- The Christian and the Political Arena. American Christians often vacillate between (1) withdrawal and (2) culture warring sometimes motivated by fear and self-interest rather than the common good. How can Aquinas help with this?
- Natural Law. How can the concept of natural law be helpful to Christians as they explain Biblical principles in an increasingly secular public square?
- Aquinas and Moral Legislation. We often hear, “You can’t legislate morality.” How did Aquinas think about moral legislation?
- Key Lessons. Dr. Lenow summarizes the key lessons from the life and work of Thomas Aquinas.
Have you learned other lessons from the life of Thomas Aquinas? We would love to hear from you in the comments below or by emailing us at josh@goodcitizen.us.