Second precept of decalogue

1 passages · search this phrase →

Often appears with: the nature and attributes of God · superstition vs irreligion · perjury · order of obstacles to religion · justice as a virtue

Usually: argument (1) · detachment (1)

Quotable

“For this reason the precept forbidding superstition is placed before the second precept, which forbids perjury that pertains to irreligion.” Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) · insight

Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) primary

Thomas, Aquinas, Saint · c. 1271–1273 (Part II-II written within this period)
PART II-II ("Secunda Secundae") > i.e. covetous. Therefore violence should not be reckoned a daughter of covetousness. (12/13)

Thomas defends the second precept’s order by saying the law first forbids superstition, which blocks knowing God rightly, and then forbids irreligious perjury, which blocks honoring God after acknowledgment.

Whether the Second Precept of the Decalogue Is Fittingly Expressed? Objection 1: It seems that the second precept of the decalogue is unfittingly expressed. For this precept, "Thou shalt not take the name of thy God in vain" is thus explained by a gloss on Ex. 20:7: "Thou shalt not deem the Son of God to be a creature," so that it forbids an error against faith. Again, a gloss on the words of Deut. 5:11, "Thou shalt…