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Christian Liberty and Obligations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 October 2024

M. D. Chenu O.P.
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(I)

Now in those days Marcus Aurelius was Emperor and it seemed as if Wisdom herself in the person of this adopted son of Antoninus Pius, this disciple of Epictetus, ruled the Roman world . . . Nevertheless the Philosopher Justin, accused of being a Christian, was brought with several companions before Rusticus the Prefect of Rome, the very man who had placed in the hands of the young Emperor the Discourses of Epictetus.

‘What is your branch of study?’ Rusticus enquired of Justin.

‘I have studied all the sciences in turn and I have come to find rest in the teachings of the Christians, unacceptable though they may seem to those led astray by error.’

‘Miserable man, is that your chosen study?’

‘Yes, for the Christians possess the true doctrine.’ Rusticus turning to one of Justin’s companions, asked: ‘And you, what are you?’

‘I am Caesar’s slave, but Christ has given me freedom.’ But the accused men refused to obey Caesar and sacrifice to the Gods and the Prefect passed sentence upon them. Justin and his companions were beheaded.

‘I am Caesar’s slave but Christ has given me freedom.’ My whole discourse is based on this clear, this dazzling reply. My one object will be to make you conscious of its deep meaning. For to me falls the honour of bringing before you during these discussions on the subject of liberty in social life the testimony of the Christian, or, to be more precise, of the theologian; that is to say, of the Christian whose task it is to justify his religion to himself, to examine its structure and its inside workings.

Type
Research Article
Information
Blackfriars , Volume 20 , Issue 229 , April 1939 , pp. 263 - 276
Copyright
Copyright © 1939 Provincial Council of the English Province of the Order of Preachers

References

1 The substance of an address given at the Semaine Sociale at Rouen. Translated by Margaret Murphy.

2 From the Acta of St. Justin Martyr.

3 In these words of St. Justin will be recalled those of St. Paul, He that is called in the Lord, being a bondman, is the free man of the Lord' (I Cor. vii, 22).

4 So Leo XIII. ‘There is no man who of himself possesses anything which empowers him to fetter the free will of his fellow men by a bond of conscience. God alone, as Creator and Lawgiver of all, possesses such power.’

5 Cf. Rom. xiii, 1–7.

6 ‘Christ has made us free. Stand fast and be not held again under the yoke of bondage’ (Galatians iv, 31—v, 1). ‘You are bought with a great price; be not made the bondslaves of men’ (I Cor. Vii, 23).

7 Cf I. Tonneau, O.P.'s, L'Eglise parle: Mystère Chrétien de libérte in La Vie Inteilectuelle, 10 Juin, 1937. Also C. Tunmer, O.P.: The Spirit quickeneth in Blackfriars, November, 1935.

8 I. Tonneau, loc. cit.

9 Summa Theol., Ia IIae, cvi.

10 A subsequent article will treat of the social obligations of a Christian in the light of this law of liberty.