Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God. (Rom 13:1)

Saint Paul makes us stop and think.

He is talking about secular authority. What does it mean that every authority is established by God? Why should we be obedient to those charged with governing our country?

The Dominican student brothers tackle these questions in the newly released issue of our annual print journal, Dominicana. We explore the relation between Church and state, especially guided by our brother Saint Thomas Aquinas, and we consider the complexities of Catholics entering into politics. Our goal is to provide you with some basic principles for living as a Catholic in a secular state. 

Brother Charles in “What Hath Jerusalem to Do with Athens?” outlines St. Thomas’s articulation of the relationship between God and secular authority, and he also evaluates the place of the Church in this schema. 

Brother Pachomius takes up the question of obedience in “What Makes for Peace?: On Freedom and Civil Obedience.” He helps us understand our individual role in view of the good of the whole. 

Brother Basil offers the wisdom of the Fathers of the Church to those caught up in the constant barrage of political news. In “On Interiority for Political Spectators,” he directs us first to seek God and then everything in light of God. 

We are also thrilled to exhibit in this issue the work of Matthew Alderman, an accomplished Catholic artist and architect. In “Grafting onto Tradition: The Dominicana Logo,” Mr. Alderman speaks to us about his style and inspiration. 

If you like these complimentary articles from the journal, we hope you will consider subscribing to the print journal or to online access to our complete archive. This issue includes several more essays, interviews with political scientists, an original translation of a work on St. Thomas by a third order Dominican, and book reviews of recent releases. Please know that all proceeds support the formation of the Dominican student brothers. 

Saint Paul also makes us stop and pray. We repeat his exhortation:

First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. (1 Tim 2:1-2)

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Photo by Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P. (used with permission)