Abstract
In this contribution I first sketch the Church’s teaching on racism from two key documents (1). Then I respond to the objection that Aquinas himself was part of a system that enabled the injustice of slavery. I contend that his theology in fact does the opposite (2). Building on reflections by Therese Cory, I try to further develop a Thomistic response to questions of racial injustice. Here, my focus is on two
things: memory and the common good (3). In the final section, I present what Aquinas has to offer us today, but I also note the things that he had a blind spot for (4). By pointing out various ways of engaging questions of racism in relation to the work of Thomas Aquinas, I hope to offer an impetus for further reflection on racial justice.
things: memory and the common good (3). In the final section, I present what Aquinas has to offer us today, but I also note the things that he had a blind spot for (4). By pointing out various ways of engaging questions of racism in relation to the work of Thomas Aquinas, I hope to offer an impetus for further reflection on racial justice.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | The Enduring Significance of Thomas Aquinas |
Subtitle of host publication | Essays in Honor of Henk Schoot and Rudi te Velde |
Editors | Anton ten Klooster, Harm Goris, Marcel Sarot |
Publisher | Peeters |
Pages | 89-102 |
ISBN (Print) | 9789042951105 |
Publication status | Published - 3 Mar 2023 |
Keywords
- Thomas Aquinas
- Racial Justice
- racism
- Slavery
- common good