Vice President JD Vance recently referenced medieval Catholic theology to defend the immigration policies implemented during the Trump administration. In a social media post on Jan. 30, Vance mentioned the concept of 'ordo amoris' in response to criticism he faced after a Fox News interview.
During the interview, Vance stated that individuals should prioritize their love for family, neighbors, community, fellow citizens, and then the rest of the world. He argued that this hierarchy of love had been inverted by the 'far left.'
'Ordo amoris,' which translates to 'order of love' or 'order of charity,' is a concept rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine, an ancient theologian. Augustine emphasized the importance of loving everyone and everything in the appropriate manner.
According to Augustine, a just and holy individual is one who loves what should be loved, does not love what should not be loved, and prioritizes love based on proper relationships. He also highlighted the significance of showing special care to those who are closely connected to us due to circumstances.
St. Thomas Aquinas, in the 13th century, further elaborated on the concept of 'ordo amoris,' emphasizing the need to be most generous towards those with close connections while acknowledging that circumstances may alter this principle.
The modern catechism of the Catholic Church briefly mentions the 'order of charity,' underscoring obligations to respect parents and fulfill duties as good citizens.
The discussion around 'ordo amoris' sheds light on the complex interplay between love, duty, and relationships as outlined in medieval Catholic theology.
