To bear with patience wrongs done to oneself is a mark of perfection, but to bear with patience wrongs done to someone else is a mark of imperfection and even of actual sin.
Thomas AquinasRead
If forgers and malefactors are put to death by the secular power, there is much more reason for excommunicating and even putting to death one convicted of heresy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the severity of heresy compared to secular crimes, arguing for strong consequences in matters of faith.
Thomas Aquinas argues that if secular authorities put individuals to death for forgery and other crimes, then the spiritual offense of heresy—especially when it threatens the faith—demands even greater punishment. This reflects the medieval understanding of the importance of religious orthodoxy and the consequences of straying from accepted beliefs, positing that spiritual crimes have far-reaching implications for both the individual and society.
Themes
HeresyPunishmentFaithAuthorityReligion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a lecture about the historical role of church authority in society.
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We are like children, who stand in need of masters to enlighten us and direct us; God has provided for this, by appointing his angels to be our teachers and guides.
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To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
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