Friendship And The Common Good | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Jun 12, 2024
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Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., discusses friendship with God and the common good. Topics include critiques of personalist social theory, the dual nature of human beings, perspectives on individuality vs. common good, and the role of communication in fostering relationships.
Friendship with God starts with understanding human friendship, leading to a deeper divine connection.
Aquinas emphasizes 'cumunukatsio' as the foundation for genuine friendships, prior to active benevolence.
Deep dives
Importance of Understanding Friendship with God
To truly grasp the concept of friendship with God, one must first comprehend the essence of friendship itself. St. Thomas Aquinas suggests starting with a familiar concept like human friendship before delving into the depth of a divine friendship. Jesus, not St. Paul, introduced friendship as a crucial theme in Christian reflection, emphasizing a profound connection based on the knowledge and love shared with God.
Daconic's Critique of Personalist Doctrine on Friendship
Charles de Koenig critiques the personalist doctrine's approach to friendship, particularly in defining the source of love binding friends. De Koenig contrasts the personalist notion that family members' individual goodness forms the family's common good, arguing that the common good actually precedes individual goodness in creating lovable bonds within families and communities.
Aquinas' Doctrine on the Foundation of Friendship
Aquinas' doctrine emphasizes the foundation of friendship rooted in 'cumunukatsio,' a shared social context that enables true friendships to develop. Friendship requires more than mere similarity; it necessitates a deeper connection within a community. This communal sharing, prior to active benevolence, forms the basis for genuine and enduring friendships.
Understanding Aquinas' Perspective on Friendship
Aquinas' doctrine underscores the importance of 'kumunukatsio' in fostering meaningful friendships. This concept goes beyond traditional notions of communication, emphasizing a shared context that precedes active friendship activities. Aquinas's teachings advocate for a deeper understanding of friendships rooted in shared experiences and common goods rather than individualistic pursuits.
This lecture was given on November 3rd, 2023, at The Dominican House of Studies.
For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events
About the Speaker:
A native of Louisiana, Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., entered the Dominican Province of St. Joseph in 2005. After several years of pastoral work in New York City, Fr. Guilbeau began doctoral studies in moral theology at the University of Fribourg, where he completed a dissertation on St. Thomas Aquinas’s doctrine of the common good. Currently, Fr. Guilbeau serves as the University Chaplain and Vice President for Ministry and Mission at The Catholic University of America.
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