The medieval Catholic concept of ‘ordo amoris’ or ‘order of love’ has been invoked by Vice President JD Vance to justify the immigration crackdown, but its original teachings suggest a more nuanced understanding of moral duties.
Vice President JD Vance has invoked a medieval Catholic concept called ‘ordo amoris‘ to justify the immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump. This term, which translates to ‘order of love‘ or ‘order of charity‘, was discussed by St. Augustine, an ancient theologian.
J.D. Vance is an American venture capitalist, author, and former Marine Corps helicopter pilot.
Born in 1984 in Middletown, Ohio, Vance grew up in a poor family and experienced poverty firsthand.
He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned his law degree from Yale University.
Vance's memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' (2016) explores his childhood and the struggles of working-class Americans.
The Concept of Ordo Amoris
According to St. Augustine, everyone and everything should be loved in its own proper way. He wrote that a person with a just and holy life would neither love what they ought not to love nor fail to love what they ought to love. Instead, they would love each thing according to its due measure.
St. Augustine was a Christian theologian, philosopher, and bishop born in 354 AD in Thagaste, Roman Africa.
He is known for his influential writings on theology, philosophy, and ethics.
Augustine's philosophical ideas had a significant impact on Western Christianity, shaping the development of Catholic theology.
He emphasized 'original sin,' predestination, and the importance of faith over reason.
His works include 'Confessions' and 'City of God.'
Augustine died in 430 AD and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
The Hierarchy of Love
St. Thomas Aquinas expanded on this concept in the 13th century, noting that our obligations depend on circumstances. We should be most beneficent towards those who are closely connected to us, but this can vary depending on time, place, or matter at hand. For instance, we may need to help a stranger in extreme necessity over our own family member if they are not in urgent need.
The Modern Understanding of Ordo Amoris
The modern catechism of the Catholic Church briefly refers to the ‘order of charity‘, citing obligations to honor one’s parents and be good citizens. This concept emphasizes that our moral duties vary depending on our relationships with others and the circumstances we face.
Vice President JD Vance has used this concept to argue that our love for family should come before our love for neighbors, community, or fellow citizens in other countries. However, critics have pointed out that this interpretation is not supported by the original teachings of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.
