Abandoned Quote by Thomas Aquinas
![“Given the sin of impiety through which they [the Romans] sinned against the divine nature [by idolatry], the punishment that led them to sin against their own nature followed… I say, therefore, that since they changed into lies [by idolatry] the truth about God, He brought them to ignominious…” quote by Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/89c/thomas-aquinas-837_abandoned_given-the-sin-of-impiety-through-which-t_1913074.jpg)
“Given the sin of impiety through which they [the Romans] sinned against the divine nature [by idolatry], the punishment that led them to sin against their own nature followed… I say, therefore, that since they changed into lies [by idolatry] the truth about God, He brought them to ignominious passions, that is, to sins against nature; not that God led them to evil, but only that he abandoned them to evil…”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Summa Theologica, Book I, Question 13, 1265
Aquinas argues that idolatry leads humanity away from divine truth, causing moral decay and natural sins, not directly by God but by abandonment.
In simple terms: Idolatry corrupts, leading to moral decline.
Key Takeaway
Avoid idolatry to stay true.
Themes
theology
morality
religion
idolatry
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal worship
- cultural practices
- ethical decisions
- spiritual guidance
Key Concepts
divine nature
human nature
sin
free will
Questions to Reflect On
- How does idolatry affect moral behavior?
- Can true virtue exist without divine guidance?
A Different Perspective
Critics may view this as attributing too much agency to human choice, overlooking divine influence.
![“By the divine providence [animals] are intended for man's use... Hence it is not wrong for man to make use of them, either by killing or in any other way whatsoever.” quote by Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f48/thomas-aquinas-837_animal_by-the-divine-providence-animals-are-int_112669.jpg)
