Moral Vigilance in Daily Life: Aquinas and Newman on Obedience

Introduction

In the realm of Thomistic philosophy, obedience is a cornerstone virtue that harmonizes individual will with legitimate authority and moral law. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, obedience compels individuals to align with the rule of law and authority, promoting good and order within oneself and society (Aquinas, 1947, Summa Theologica, II-II, Q.104, Art.2). This harmonious alignment fosters a relationship between personal will and a higher moral order. In contrast, disobedience disrupts this harmony, leading to a gradual and often subtle degradation of moral integrity.

Understanding Thomistic Obedience

Obedience, in Aquinas’s view, is not merely about blind adherence to rules but about conscious alignment with moral law. It signifies a deep commitment to fostering good and maintaining order. This virtue plays a critical role in shaping character and guiding moral actions.

The Subtle Danger of Small Disobediences

Consider a seemingly trivial act of disobedience: entering a store through the “Exit” door instead of the “Enter” door. Such an action might appear insignificant at first glance, without immediate repercussions and often justified by convenience. However, even minor infractions begin to erode one’s respect for rules and authority. St. Thomas Aquinas contends that small acts of disobedience weaken the habit of virtue and incline the soul towards greater disorder (Aquinas, 1947, Summa Theologica, I-II, Q.72, Art.5).

Erosion of Conscience Through Small Acts

The ripple effect of minor acts of disobedience starts with the erosion of conscience. Each small act of defiance dulls the sensitivity to right and wrong, making further disobedience easier. This gradual desensitization can lead to more significant moral lapses. For instance, a habitual disregard for minor rules may translate into a broader disregard for ethical guidelines in professional or personal settings. According to Aquinas, habits—whether virtuous or vicious—profoundly shape one’s character. A pattern of minor disobediences forms a disposition towards rebellion and self-will, replacing the virtue of obedience with a tendency to resist authority (Aquinas, 1947, Summa Theologica, I-II, Q.50, Art.1).

Psychological and Spiritual Distance from Moral Law

Small disobediences create a psychological and spiritual distance from moral law. When individuals prioritize personal convenience over established guidelines, they foster a sense of autonomy that undermines the higher moral order. This disconnection can lead to rationalizing more significant transgressions. As one becomes comfortable with minor disobediences, the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior blurs, leading to compromises in previously non-negotiable areas. Aquinas emphasizes that sin distorts the will and reason, leading to a disordered love of self over God and neighbor (Aquinas, 1947, Summa Theologica, I-II, Q.72, Art.6).

The Progression to Grave Sin

The progression from minor acts of disobedience to grave sin involves several stages. Initially, there is a loss of self-control, as yielding to immediate desires erodes the discipline needed to resist more serious temptations. Over time, this lack of discipline makes one susceptible to greater moral failings. In the context of spiritual life, persistent minor sins can disrupt one’s relationship with God, leading to a state of habitual sinfulness. This habitual state closes the heart to divine grace, paving the way for mortal sins, which Aquinas describes as sins that sever the relationship with God entirely (Aquinas, 1947, Summa Theologica, I-II, Q.88, Art.1).

Mortal Sins and Their Origins

Mortal sins, such as adultery, murder, and theft, are grave violations of God’s law, committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent. The journey to such sins often begins with smaller, seemingly insignificant acts of disobedience. The cumulative effect of these acts dulls the conscience and weakens moral resolve, making it easier to rationalize and commit more serious offenses. Aquinas warns that mortal sin leads to spiritual death, cutting the soul off from sanctifying grace and jeopardizing eternal salvation (Aquinas, 1947, Summa Theologica, I-II, Q.88, Art.2).

The Importance of Vigilance and Discipline

In conclusion, even the smallest act of disobedience can set in motion a chain of events that leads to grave sin. By undermining the virtue of obedience, these small acts weaken the moral framework that guards against more severe transgressions. It is crucial, therefore, to cultivate vigilance and discipline in adhering to moral and ethical principles, recognizing that every action, no matter how minor, contributes to the formation of one’s character and spiritual destiny. This understanding underscores the importance of faithfulness in small matters, as they are the foundation upon which moral integrity and spiritual health are built. As Aquinas teaches, virtues must be nurtured through consistent practice, and even the smallest acts of obedience can strengthen the soul against the temptation of sin (Aquinas, 1947, Summa Theologica, I-II, Q.51, Art.1).

Integrating Newman’s Perspective on Obedience

John Henry Newman, whose works address the complexities and nuances of obedience, aligns with Aquinas’s views on the essential role of this virtue. Newman, both as an Anglican and later as a Catholic, emphasized the profound value of obedience recognized even by natural reason and conscience. According to Newman, humanity has an intrinsic propensity to obey, which, if not directed towards true objects, will manifest in other, potentially disordered forms (Rao, 1979)

Newman observed that obedience’s natural purpose and beauty were obscured by original sin, yet highlighted by divine revelation throughout salvation history. He saw Christ’s mission as the ultimate act of obedience, intended to redeem humanity and facilitate our own compliance with God’s law. Newman advocated for obedience in mundane duties, acts of humility, and deference to ecclesiastical authority, believing these practices would lead individuals closer to God (Rao, 1979)

Newman also acknowledged the challenges of achieving perfect obedience. He believed that initial acts of submission, even when motivated by duty or fear rather than love, could eventually foster a deeper, more genuine obedience rooted in love for God. This incremental approach echoes Aquinas’s understanding that habits, once formed, shape one’s moral character profoundly.

Conclusion

Integrating Newman’s perspective with Thomistic thought reinforces the idea that obedience, even in its smallest forms, is crucial for spiritual growth and moral integrity. Both thinkers underscore the need for vigilance and consistent practice in nurturing this virtue, recognizing that each act of obedience fortifies the soul against greater temptations and aligns the individual more closely with the divine will. The erosion of conscience through small acts of disobedience highlights the importance of faithfulness in all matters, emphasizing that the path to grave sin often begins with seemingly insignificant deviations. Thus, cultivating a habit of obedience in small daily actions serves as a bulwark against the progression towards more significant moral failings, ensuring the alignment of one’s will with the divine order and fostering a deeper relationship with God.

Sources

Aquinas, T. (1947). Summa Theologica. (Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Trans.). Benziger Bros.

Rao, J. (1979). John Henry Newman and the problem of obedience. Unpublished manuscript.