Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
www.suscopts.org
   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

What is our Church's position on Natural law (i.e. Thomas Aquinas)?

St Paul says, "For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel" (Acts 2:12-16).

Those who do not have the Word of God and the Holy Bible; may be judged according to their own law (Natural Law). Thomas Aquinas believed in the ability of reason to guide man in making ethical decisions. For us Christians, we have the Word of God to direct us in our lives. We should not depend on our own instinct, ethics, morals or the natural law but on the teachings of God. This is the only Law and commandments we should follow. There is a difference between those who had heard about Christianity but refused to adopt it as their religion and abide by its teaching; and those whom the Word of God has never reached. In today's world, most, if not all, of the earth's population has heard about Christianity; and it is a personal choice to accept or reject it; and thus be judged accordingly.
Home | Ask A Question | Search Q&A