Lecture Notes: Ordo Amoris and Theological Concepts

Introduction

• Speaker: Lenny Esposito
• Context: Podcast discussing the controversy and misunderstanding surrounding "Ordo Amoris" after comments by Vice President J.D. Vance.
• Purpose: To clarify the theological concept of Ordo Amoris and its implications for Christian living.

Background on Romans Chapter 1

• Paul's Address to Romans:
  • Paul had not visited Rome but desired to do so to impart spiritual gifts and be mutually encouraged by faith.
  • Verse 8: Paul thanks God for the Romans' faith, known worldwide.
  • Verses 16-17: Central premise of Romans; the righteousness of God is revealed through faith.
• Theme: Understanding the Gospel and its implications for life.

Ordo Amoris: Ordered Love

• Concept Origin:
  • Term "Ordo Amoris" coined by St. Augustine.
  • Implies "rightly ordered love"; prioritizing God above all.
• Augustine's View:
  • All loves are naturally ordered; higher value placed on things loved more.
  • Love can become disordered if priorities are misplaced (e.g., beauty or gold over God).
• Thomas Aquinas on Ordered Love:
  • Love aligns with God's purposes and must be properly proportioned.
  • Order of Charity: God > Self (spiritual relationship) > Neighbors > Family > Enemies > Own Body.

Theological and Political Implications

• J.D. Vance's Comments: Sparked controversy by suggesting a hierarchy of love from family to world.
• Criticism and Responses:
  • Highlighted misunderstanding of John 15:12-13.
  • Discussion of the Good Samaritan as a counterpoint.
• Media and Public Reaction: Non-believers and political figures weighing in on theological matters.

Paul's Message and Ordered Love

• Thanksgiving and Encouragement:
  • Paul thankful for the Roman Christians' faith and seeks mutual encouragement.
  • Prayer: Paul continuously prays for the Romans.
• Spiritual Gifts:
  • Paul aims to impart spiritual gifts and strengthen the Roman church.
• Obligations and Mission:
  • Obligation to preach the Gospel to Greeks and non-Greeks (barbarians).
  • Use of spiritual gifts as an expression of ordered love.

Salvation and Righteousness

• Salvation:
  • More than avoiding damnation; includes overcoming depression, finding purpose, and hope.
  • Ongoing process from faith to faith.
• Righteousness of God:
  • Ethical and ordered right living.
  • Romans outlines righteousness: unrighteous without Christ, declared righteous by faith, living a righteous life.

Key Concepts and Challenges

• Ordered Love in Action:
  • Living according to the love hierarchy; putting God's love first.
• Challenges:
  • Balancing love for family, community, and others in light of God's love.
• Practical Application:
  • Engage with the community, utilize spiritual gifts, and maintain a rightly ordered love.

Conclusion

• Reflection on Obligations:
  • Recognize and act on the obligation to share and live out the Gospel.
• Call to Action:
  • Reflect on one's spiritual position and calling.
  • Continually pray for others and engage in the community of faith.

Final Thoughts

• Lenny's Closing:
  • Encourages listeners to seek their calling and live in a way that honors God.
  • Emphasizes understanding and applying the concept of Ordo Amoris in one's life.