Asynchronous 4.1.

St. Thomas Aquinas on the Four Types of Law

PART 1
Directions: The Divine Law and Natural Law flow out of the Eternal Law, and all
three are aspects of the same category. Human Law comes from people. Although
man-made laws ought to be in accord with God’s law, they are sometimes not. Read
and reflect on the definitions of the four types of law.

Eternal, Divine, and Natural Law Human Law (from People)

(from God)

Eternal Law is unchanging Truth, God Human Law is what we draw out of
Himself. Divine and Natural Law as “an
ordinance of reason for the common
good.” Human laws are man-made and
Divine Law is the way God has
enforced by a ruler or government.
revealed the Truth to us in the
Scriptures, and especially in Jesus
Christ.

Natural Law is man’s participation in

the Eternal Law, and God has written it
on our hearts.

PART 2
Directions: Look at the list of laws below and put them into the correct category of
law (Eternal or Human) in the chart on the next page.

You must drive on the right-hand side of the street.

You must not kill the innocent.
You must not steal.
It is permissible to end the life of an unborn child.
You must not lie.
You must love your neighbor.
It is permissible to end the life of an elderly sick person.
You have the right to health insurance paid for by someone else.
 Eternal, Divine, and Natural Law Human Law (from People)
(from God)

o You must not kill the innocent.
o You must not steal.
o You must not lie.
o You must love your neighbor.
o You must drive on the right-
hand side of the street.
o It is permissible to end the life
of an unborn child.
o It is permissible to end the life
of an elderly sick person.
o You have the right to health
insurance paid for by someone
else.

Reflection Question
Why do you think there are human laws that conflict with God’s laws?

Because many people have a different way of thinking on how to solve problems
that are too hard to perceive. Thus, immoral laws are created to provide for those
who are conflicted within themselves – some people are unable to choose what is
morally right and continue to follow the path towards the decadent actions.