Character Quote by Martin Luther
“A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of Saint Thomas Aquinas, an unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal and natural law.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Sermons on the Law, 1520
A just law aligns with divine moral order; an unjust law conflicts with it, reflecting natural law theory.
In simple terms: Just laws follow moral law; unjust laws do not.
Key Takeaway
Check laws against moral principles.
Themes
justice
morality
law
ethics
theology
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislation
- court rulings
- civil disobedience
- policy making
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
natural law
divine law
human law
Questions to Reflect On
- What law in your society conflicts with moral values?
- How can individuals respond to unjust laws?
A Different Perspective
Legal systems may be complex and enforcement uneven.
![“Saint Thomas Aquinas says, wisely, that the only way to drive out a bad passion is by a stronger good passion. The same is true of thoughts as of passions. When your mind wanders, like a child, your will must bring it back, like a mother. [. . .] The will-parent must discipline the mind-child…” quote by Peter Kreeft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/726/peter-kreeft-820_discipline_saint-thomas-aquinas-says-wisely-that-th_537121.jpg)
