In today’s episode, we explore the deep relationship between law, identity, and the heart. We continue with Justin Martyr as he argues that the external rites of the old covenant were signs given for a season, but that the true "spiritual circumcision" is now available to all nations through Christ. We then witness a quiet but firm transition in the life of Augustine, as he describes his decision to withdraw from his public career as a teacher of rhetoric to focus on his new life in God—balancing his desire for peace with a careful concern for his public witness. Finally, Thomas Aquinas provides the philosophical backbone for our discussion, defining the very essence of law as a rational ordering for the common good, rather than a mere arbitrary command.

Today’s Readings:

Justin Martyr — Dialogue with Trypho, Chapters 23–28

Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 2 (Sections 2–3)

Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Question 90 (Articles 1–4 Combined)

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