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An Argument

Civil Law vs. Moral Law

Rather than rant and rave, I thought I'd break this down mathematically:

1. The civil law pertains to the natural good of all who are in the jurisdiction of a competent authority (or, "the common good")

2. In this society, the civil law obtains its authority (as does the competent authority) by the consent of the governed.

3. The competent authority may rule in accord with the common good, or he may not.

4. Likewise, the consent of the governed may be in accord with the common good, or it may not.

5. The morality of any action--at a minimum--is defined by the common good.

6. Therefore, the consent of the governed is not sufficient to establish the morality of any action.

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