Comparing Aquinas Theories Of Justice And Disobedience

Thomas Aquinas proposes a number of laws that exist in the world. He believes that God is responsible for eternal law. Aquinas points out that eternal law the way the universe is structured. He understands that a rational being must exist, who is responsible for the structure of the universe, and that rational being must be God. This category of law applies to all things in the universe ranging from rocks to human beings. All of these things have natural tendencies that they are designed to perform. The difference between humans and all other animals and objects is that humans have the power to choose to follow their desires through reason. Thus, through reason humans, “discern what is good and what is evil” (Aquinas).
He then explains natural law, which is, “nothing else than the rational creature’s participation of eternal law” (91, 2). Human beings all have a right to …show more content…
Although Thomas Aquinas and Martin Luther King Jr. hold similar approaches to justice and disobedience, in the “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, Dr. King’s focus is on the injustices of racism while Aquinas’s concerns himself with unjust laws in a broader self. As a result, Dr. King appears to be more passionate and motivated to make a change in his writing. This may also be for the reason that Dr. King is a victim of the injustices of racism himself, while Aquinas is not focusing on any laws that have degraded his person in any manner.
Racism is still prevalent today. Many people act as the “white moderate” (3), who Martin Luther King Jr. condemns during his lifetime for ignoring the injustices that are present in society. White people become uncomfortable when talking about controversial issues regarding race. Instead of leaning into and exploring this uncomfort, they avoid the tension that Dr. King believes is a necessity in promoting equality. Of course times have changed in regards to