The Last Plague: Thinking about God and Justice in the Old Testament | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Jun 7, 2024
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Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., a theologian and Dominican priest, discusses the moral implications of God's actions in the Old Testament, contrasting divine justice with ancient rulers' power. He explores Aquinas' views on law, virtue, and the transition to New Testament grace, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's actions as revealing justice and mercy.
God's use of plagues in the Old Testament serves as chastisement and education.
Thomas Aquinas emphasizes the Old Testament law as a guide to virtue and deeper relationship with God.
Ethical complexities in the Old Testament challenge moral norms and highlight the interplay of divine judgment and human understanding.
Deep dives
The Divine Use of Plagues and Punishments in Old Testament Morality
God's use of plagues and punishments in the Old Testament, particularly with the Egyptians and other entities, is seen as a means of chastising, rebuking, and educating. The morality of God in the Old Testament is questioned, prompting reflections from historical theological perspectives.
Interpreting the Old Testament with Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas' perspective on interpreting the Old Testament in a Christian theological context focuses on the deeper purpose of law. Law is viewed as an external guide to internal virtue, aiming to lead individuals towards a life of virtue, happiness, and a deeper relationship with God.
Differentiating Moral Law, Juridical Laws, and Ceremonial Laws
Aquinas distinguishes between moral laws, juridical laws, and ceremonial laws. While moral laws are intensively emphasized and communicated through sacramental grace in the New Testament, juridical laws applied to specific contexts in the Old Testament are considered conventional and limited.
God's Command to Wipe Out Tribes in Deuteronomy 7
The command in Deuteronomy 7 for the Israelites to eliminate other tribes challenges conventional morality and raises complex theological questions. The notion of mass extermination as a divine directive prompts reflections on transcending natural law under divine judgment and the contextual application of such commands within the Old Testament.
Suspending Natural Law in Divine Commands
Divine commands that seemingly suspend natural law, such as Abraham's intended sacrifice of Isaac, are viewed as instances where God's will transcends ordinary ethical norms to convey deeper spiritual lessons. God's ability to transcend natural law is seen in specific contexts to convey profound ethical and spiritual messages.
Exploring Divine Mercy and Ethical Complexity in Old Testament Narratives
The ethical complexity within Old Testament narratives, such as instances of divine interventions or commands that challenge ordinary moral principles, underscores the nuanced interplay between divine judgment, mercy, and human understanding. Through critical analysis and theological interpretations, the intricate moral landscape of the Old Testament invites contemplation on profound theological truths.