Crown and Crozier
In Crown and Crozier, we invite leading thinkers to explore how the human experience is shaped by the interplay between Church and State, and what this means for tackling the great challenges of today. Join us as we examine what’s at stake for us as citizens and as a society in the dynamic engagement between civil and religious authority. The common good, basic freedoms, dignity of the person, administration of justice, self-government, the preservation of truth, goodness and beauty - all this and more hangs in the balance.
Crown and Crozier
What Would Aquinas Say About COVID Restrictions? ~ Mary Catherine Sommers
Dr. Mary Catherine Sommers joins us to discuss government restrictions on worship during COVID, as seen through a Thomistic lens. Dr. Sommers is Professor Emerita for Philosophy and past director of the Center for Thomistic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.
0:00 - Introduction
2:56 - Aquinas’ understanding of the proper responsibilities of religious and civil authorities
6:56 - Aquinas’ theory of law
11:38 - Ensuring compatibility of human law with natural law
13:48 - Who may enact laws?
15:44 - COVID restrictions - do they actually fit within Aquinas’ formula?
20:33 - Aquinas’ view on restriction of freedoms
24:04 - What should faithful citizens do?
28:38 - How do we know when to obey or disobey a law?
30:48 - The role of prudence - the "here and now" virtue
35:18 - Complying with COVID restrictions - what are the Doctor's orders?
37:03 - Wrap up
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Documents/Websites referenced
Brian Tierney (medieval historian) - Wikipedia page
Martin Luther King Jr. - "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (1963)
Pierre Manent - "The Church has the Form of a City", Public Discourse (July 26, 2020)
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
John Locke - "Letter Concerning Toleration" (1689)
Thomas Aquinas - Summa Theologica, 1st part of the 2nd part: Q90
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Please note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.