“That the saints may enjoy their beatitude and the grace of God more abundantly they are permitted to see the punishment of the damned in hell.”
- 1225 – March 7, 1274
- Born in the Kingdom of Sicily (Italy)
- Theologian, philosopher
- A representative figure of scholasticism, who systematized the relationship between the doctrines of the Catholic Church and reason through his masterpiece, the Summa Theologica
Quote
“That the saints may enjoy their beatitude and the grace of God more abundantly they are permitted to see the punishment of the damned in hell.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas presents a view that may seem challenging, suggesting that the saints—those who attain eternal happiness in heaven—are allowed to witness the punishment of the damned in hell as part of their beatitude. For Aquinas, the sight of divine justice being carried out adds to the understanding and appreciation of God’s grace and righteousness. By witnessing the consequences of sin, the saints are reminded of the gravity of God’s justice and the greatness of His mercy, which allows them to rejoice more fully in their salvation and the grace they have received.
Aquinas lived in a time when the concepts of heaven, hell, and divine justice were central to Christian theology. He believed that part of the beatific vision—seeing and experiencing God in heaven—includes a comprehensive understanding of His divine justice. For Aquinas, witnessing the punishment of the damned is not about finding joy in suffering, but about a greater appreciation for God’s moral order and the consequences of human free will. It reinforces the importance of God’s justice, showing that the reward of heaven and the punishment of hell are both expressions of God’s righteousness, each reflecting His divine will and purpose.
In the modern context, this perspective can be difficult to reconcile with a compassionate view of justice and eternal punishment. Aquinas’s idea challenges us to consider the balance between mercy and justice within the context of divine law. His assertion highlights the belief that the justice of God is part of His perfection, and that understanding the fullness of this justice helps to deepen one’s appreciation of God’s mercy. Though the imagery of witnessing punishment might seem stark, the underlying message is that the holiness and grace received by the saints are magnified when seen in contrast with the consequences of turning away from God. Aquinas’s insight serves as a reminder that divine justice, from his theological standpoint, is an essential aspect of the eternal moral order.
