Title: "The Primacy of Conscience: Biblical Insights vs. Thomistic Ethics (07/04/'24) -Viewpoint

Title: "The Primacy of Conscience: Biblical Insights vs. Thomistic Ethics Bible Passage Closely Related to the Concept of Conscience The sentence "Nothing is to be preferred before good conscience" echoes a significant theme in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. A relevant passage is found in 1 Timothy 1:5 (NIV): "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." This passage emphasizes the importance of a good conscience, aligning with the idea that a good conscience is paramount. Difference from Christian Thought of Thomas Aquinas Thomas Aquinas, influenced by Aristotle, integrated Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. Aquinas emphasized the role of reason and natural law, asserting that human beings could understand moral truths through rational reflection on the natural world. Here are key differences: Role of Conscience: Biblical Perspective: Conscience is a direct witness to one's moral and spiritual state, with a strong emphasis on inner purity and alignment with God's will. Aquinas: Conscience (synderesis) is seen as an intellectual process, where natural law (an imprint of God's eternal law) guides human reasoning to discern right from wrong. Justice and Virtue: Biblical Perspective: Justice is closely tied to divine commandments and the pursuit of righteousness before God. Aquinas: Justice, following Aristotle, is a cardinal virtue concerned with giving others their due, and it is part of a broader ethical system that includes other virtues like prudence, temperance, and fortitude. Nature of Sin and Repentance: Biblical Perspective: Emphasizes repentance and forgiveness through God's grace as fundamental to restoring a good conscience. Aquinas: Sin is a violation of natural law, and repentance involves both an act of will and understanding to realign oneself with the moral order. Implications and Problems in Current Christian Thought Implications: Emphasis on Personal Conscience: The biblical focus on a good conscience can lead to a strong emphasis on personal piety and moral integrity, encouraging individuals to cultivate an inner life aligned with God's will. Moral Absolutism vs. Relativism: Aquinas' integration of natural law can support a form of moral absolutism, where certain truths are universally accessible through reason, which contrasts with more relativistic or subjective moral approaches. Problems: Balancing Conscience and Doctrine: Modern Christian thought sometimes struggles to balance personal conscience with adherence to established doctrines. The emphasis on personal conscience can sometimes lead to conflicts with traditional teachings or communal norms. Justice and Social Ethics: The Platonic view of justice as a mean between extremes can challenge contemporary Christians to address social justice issues. Aquinas' emphasis on natural law supports a more structured ethical framework, which can sometimes seem rigid or out of touch with modern social complexities. Role of Reason and Faith: Aquinas' synthesis of reason and faith is occasionally critiqued for overemphasizing rationalism, potentially downplaying the mysterious and experiential aspects of faith emphasized in the Bible. Conclusion The biblical assertion that "nothing is to be preferred before a good conscience" emphasizes the paramount importance of inner moral integrity and alignment with divine will. In contrast, Thomas Aquinas, influenced by Aristotle, integrated reason and natural law into Christian ethics, creating a more structured approach to understanding morality. Modern Christian thought grapples with balancing these perspectives, facing challenges in maintaining doctrinal integrity while addressing contemporary ethical issues and nurturing personal piety. Pastor Steven G. Lee (July 4, 2024)