The Euthyphro Question: Thank You to the People of the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock and Dr. Chris Lutz

Socrates, in Euthyphro, raises a critical question surrounding notions of justice. Here is the question stated in its Hellenistic context : Is an object loved by the god's because it is pious, a concept that each psychologically sound and mature mind seeks, or does piety lay in the fact that an object is loved by the gods? Here's how the the question plays out in legal arenas: Is a law just because it promotes the natural law within each human being, providing pathways for and eliminating obstacles against, that particular individual's quest for excellence, or is a law just because it is confirmed by human beings? The Natural Law Within Each Human Being, or The Natural Law Within Us, means at the center our of souls we seek good. Socrates and Plato, railing against the daily Athenian malaise, characterized by actions taken without putting forth the energy to think about the concept of  "why am I engaged in this particular act" or "why did I, or an organization I m affiliated with, make this decision," said the answer to the above question is that justice exists in a rule geared toward an unimpeded quest for excellence.

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle stated time and again that a law is just because it promotes the Natural Law Within Us, the Natural Order of the Human Heart to seek what is desirable and what is esteem-worthy. More factors, however, come into play. Our hearts desire metaphysics and vertical axi. Socrates and Plato achieved vertical axi in thoughts about the critical importance of universal forms. Within five centuries after the height of ancient Greek culture, God Almighty, revealed Himself and his economy of salvation for humanity, in the Life, Death, Resurrection, and Accession of Jesus Christ. He sent His Spirit as our advocate. What is esteem- worthy is happiness, and happiness is union with God, via the words and life of Saint Augustine. Questions raised in the first paragraph remain on a horizontal plan, most notably perhaps because the Greek gods needed humans for survival. (See Sokolowski, R. The God of Faith and Reason. Washington DC:Catholic University Press, 1995. 12-13.)


The concept that God would be just as whole and wonderful as He is now, if he had not created us, is true, and it is called the Christian Distinction. Our focus here is metaphysics, and increasing understanding that a vertical realm exists for us to access. The end of this discussion is to note that dialouge taking place in human to human forms is fruitful, but inviting the vertical dimension of Gospel light into human discussions transfigures our human heart. May hearts everywhere examine human circumstances through with eyes, hearts, and minds prayerfully and reflectively attuned to Light Itself, Our Lord Jesus Church, and the Sacred Traditions of His Holy Church.

Father,

Send down Your Spirit,
to bless all with wisdom,
knowledge of justice,
counsel, and understanding.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
Your Son. Our Lord. Amen.