The Thomistic Institute Freedom for Excellence: Virtue & Moral Character According to Aquinas (Pt 2) | Fr. Thomas Petri, OP
15 snips
Apr 21, 2024 
Fr. Thomas Petri, OP, an expert in moral theology, discusses how virtue and vice are cultivated through choices according to St. Thomas Aquinas. He also explores the role of grace in human morality, the impact of original sin, and the intertwining of grace and freedom in living a virtuous life. Additionally, he delves into how grace nurtures faith and virtues, focusing on topics like infant baptism and preparing for grace through virtuous living.
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Transcript
Freedom as Harmony of Intellect and Will
- For St. Thomas Aquinas, freedom is the harmonious interaction between intellect and will pursuing truth and goodness together.
- Acquired virtues or vices result from repeated choices forming habits that shape our moral character.
Original Justice and Original Man
- Adam and Eve were created with original justice, a gift of grace that harmonized body, soul, reason, and emotions.
- This original state is a blueprint for spiritual harmony and virtue in the moral life.
Original Sin as Rupture, Not Inclination
- Original sin ruptures our relationship with God and disintegrates human nature, making us prone to disorder and sin.
- It is not a positive inclination to evil, but rather the loss of nature-perfecting grace that causes moral weakness.