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Objection 1: It would seem that schismatics are not rightly punished
with excommunication. For excommunication deprives a man chiefly of a
share in the sacraments. But Augustine says (Contra Donat. vi,
5) that "Baptism can be received from a schismatic." Therefore it
seems that excommunication is not a fitting punishment for schismatics.
Objection 2: Further, it is the duty of Christ's faithful to lead
back those who have gone astray, wherefore it is written against
certain persons (Ezech. 34:4): "That which was driven away
you have not brought again, neither have you sought that which was
lost." Now schismatics are more easily brought back by such as may
hold communion with them. Therefore it seems that they ought not to be
excommunicated.
Objection 3: Further, a double punishment is not inflicted for one
and the same sin, according to Nahum 1:9: "God will not judge
the same twice" [Septuagint version]. Now some receive a temporal
punishment for the sin of schism, according to Question 23,
Article 5, where it is stated: "Both divine and earthly laws have
laid down that those who are severed from the unity of the Church, and
disturb her peace, must be punished by the secular power." Therefore
they ought not to be punished with excommunication.
On the contrary, It is written (Num. 16:26): "Depart from
the tents of these wicked men," those, to wit, who had caused the
schism, "and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be involved in their
sins."
I answer that, According to Wis. 11:11, "By what things a
man sinneth, by the same also he should be punished". Now a
schismatic, as shown above (Article 1), commits a twofold sin:
first by separating himself from communion with the members of the
Church, and in this respect the fitting punishment for schismatics is
that they be excommunicated. Secondly, they refuse submission to the
head of the Church, wherefore, since they are unwilling to be
controlled by the Church's spiritual power, it is just that they
should be compelled by the secular power.
Reply to Objection 1: It is not lawful to receive Baptism from a
schismatic, save in a case of necessity, since it is better for a man
to quit this life, marked with the sign of Christ, no matter from
whom he may receive it, whether from a Jew or a pagan, than deprived
of that mark, which is bestowed in Baptism.
Reply to Objection 2: Excommunication does not forbid the
intercourse whereby a person by salutary admonitions leads back to the
unity of the Church those who are separated from her. Indeed this
very separation brings them back somewhat, because through confusion at
their separation, they are sometimes led to do penance
Reply to Objection 3: The punishments of the present life are
medicinal, and therefore when one punishment does not suffice to compel
a man, another is added: just as physicians employ several body
medicines when one has no effect. In like manner the Church, when
excommunication does not sufficiently restrain certain men, employs the
compulsion of the secular arm. If, however, one punishment
suffices, another should not be employed.
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