True Justice, the Just Society, and Political Order | Dr. Chad Pecknold
Aug 21, 2019
auto_awesome
Dr. Chad Pecknold discusses Augustine's views on political order, justice, and the two cities. They explore the role of martyrdom in societal change, the church's influence across nations, and the importance of true justice in creating harmony. The conversation also touches on the concept of a commonwealth, objects of love, and interpreting Augustine in a secular state.
Augustine supports persecution as a test of faith and punishment for the wicked.
State neutrality can enable true religious freedom and societal harmony.
Maintaining a balance between religious freedom and state neutrality is crucial for societal harmony.
Deep dives
The Structure of Lectures and Discussions in Understanding the Text
The podcast episode delves into the structure of the lectures, focusing on the dual approach of examining passages followed by introducing two different ways of interpreting the text. It explores the implications of how to read Augustine, pondering whether his ideology aligns better with modern liberalism or more traditional medieval Christendom.
Augustine's View on Persecution and Martyrdom
The discussion highlights Augustine's stance on persecution showcased in Book 18, where he dismisses the notion that Christians will never face persecution. He emphasizes the purpose of persecution as a means to test the faithful and punish the wicked, advocating for the significance of martyrdom in showcasing God's presence and actions in the world.
The Idea of Church and State Neutrality in Modern Societies
The episode explores the concept of state neutrality in relation to metaphysical and theological truths, drawing comparisons between classical liberal positions and the views presented by one of the discussants. It considers the necessity of desacralizing the state and maintaining neutrality, focusing on how this approach can enable true religious freedom and societal harmony without impeding religious practices.
Critique of Liberal Theological Development and Augustine's Views
A critical analysis of liberal theological development is presented, contrasting views on the relationship between religion and the state in the Islamic world. The discussion raises questions about whether liberal orders hinder or promote religious aspects, drawing parallels with Augustine's dual perspective on the earthly city and the city of God.
Augustine's Distinction Between Sacred and Secular Orders
An emphasis is placed on Augustine's differentiation between sacred and secular orders, highlighting the idea that the secular realm should be value-neutral and separated from religious influences. The debate centers on whether a neutral society upholds or undermines the principles of true religion, prompting discussions on the importance of maintaining a balance between religious freedom and state neutrality.
Held each summer, The Civitas Dei Summer Fellowship Program supports rising scholars seeking to better understand the Catholic intellectual tradition. Sponsored by the Thomistic Institute and the Institute for Human Ecology, Civitas Dei Fellows spend a week together in Washington DC, examining the search for happiness as a fundamental end of the person and the polis.
The week-long seminar introduced students to foundational themes in philosophy, political theory, and theology, dealing with law, personhood, political life, and the search for happiness. The focus was on an introduction to foundations of political and moral theory of Augustine, Aquinas, and modern constitutional jurisprudence.
Speakers included Dr. Adrian Vermeule (Harvard Law School), Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. (Dominican House of Studies) and Dr. Chad C. Pecknold (Catholic University of America)
You can access the hand out for this lecture here: tinyurl.com/y9bjw3mt
For more information about upcoming TI events, visit: www.thomisticinstitute.org/events
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode