WOF 487: “Ipsum Esse” & Catholic Social Teaching (Part 2)
Apr 28, 2025
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Dive into the fascinating concepts of St. Thomas Aquinas as he defines God as 'ipsum esse,' shedding light on its relevance to Catholic social teaching. Discover how Aquinas' insights on governance reveal the dangers of tyranny and the importance of moral responsibility in ownership. Explore the theological grounds of economic activity, emphasizing the need for wealth to benefit society as a whole. Lastly, connect the dots between ethics and divine understanding, highlighting our duty to share resources and promote the common good.
Bishop Barron highlights that St. Thomas Aquinas' concept of Ipsum Esse emphasizes the moral purpose of political life towards justice, peace, and community.
Aquinas advocates for a mixed government structure to ensure rulers govern for the common good while preventing tyranny through checks and balances.
Deep dives
Ipsum Esse and Moral Political Life
The concept of Ipsum Esse plays a crucial role in shaping political life according to St. Thomas Aquinas, who sees God as the ultimate moral cause within the body politic. Aquinas emphasizes that true political life must orient itself toward values like justice, peace, and friendship, which contribute to the common good. He articulates that peace arises from restoring the original order of creation, while friendship encourages individuals to view others as extensions of themselves, underscoring the interconnectedness fostered by God. Viewing modern social contract theories, which often emphasize self-interest as the primary motivator, Aquinas' view promotes a much more cohesive moral framework that aims for the pursuit of virtue and communal harmony instead of mere survival or protection from conflict.
Kingship and Moral Governance
Aquinas draws parallels between kingship and divine governance, positing that rulers should act as manifestations of God’s authority, governing with the welfare of the people in mind. He suggests that a single ruler is more effective in fostering peace and unity than a collective governing body, as the latter often succumbs to disunity and discord. However, Aquinas warns that the power of kings can easily devolve into tyranny if not tempered by virtue and moral responsibility. Thus, he advocates for a mixed government that combines monarchical, aristocratic, and popular elements, allowing for checks and balances that help ensure rulers govern for the common good instead of their own benefit.
Universal Destination of Goods
Aquinas asserts that all goods ultimately belong to God and emphasizes the principle of the universal destination of goods, which suggests that material possessions should serve the needs of the community. He highlights that while individuals have the right to procure and own property, they must use it in a way that is mindful of the needs of others and the community as a whole. This theological perspective is echoed in modern teachings from various popes, emphasizing that the excesses of personal ownership should be aligned with social responsibility. The recognition of this principle not only shapes personal ethics but extends to governmental policies, reinforcing that resources should be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their origin.
Today we conclude Bishop Barron’s lecture at Charles University in Prague. During the talk, he focuses on St. Thomas Aquinas’ distinctive notion of God as “ipsum esse” and its connection with some of the principal themes of Catholic social teaching. Enjoy!
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