RĂSPUNSURI TOMISTE LA DOUĂ OPȚIUNI MORALE EXTREME: MARTIRIUL (EX CARITATE) ȘI CONSERVAREA PROPRIEI VIEȚI

Abstract

Thomistic Responses to Two Extreme Moral Options: Martyrdom (ex caritate) and Preservation of One's Own Life. Starting from the supreme sacrifice of Father Maximilian Kolbe, this article aims to justify, with additional arguments from the moral theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, the decree of Pope John Paul II that of canonizing him as a martyr ex caritate. Far from being just a simple issue of terminological distinction, martyrdom of charity – totally opposed to the attitude of preserving one's own life – constitutes a true martyrdom for Christ.