I answer that, man becomes a debtor to other men in various ways, according to their various excellence and the various benefits received from them. On both counts God holds first place, for He is supremely excellent, and is for us the first principle of being and government. In the second place, the principles of our being and government are our parents and our country, that have given us birth and nourishment. Consequently men is debtor chiefly to his parents and his country, after God. Wherefore just as it belong to religion to give worship to God, so does it belong to piety, in the second place, to give worship to one’s parents and one’s country.
- St Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologica Secunda Secunda Q101 A1
In the couple posts, we began evaluating potential Polities that people may move to in order to make their own. We’re playing a long game, moving the timespan for decision making from the now/children, to the dynasty/Polity making. We’re also trying to shift that for others within the Polity, and their Overton windows for an Us/Them model to be focused upon the Polity, focused on Religious foundation of a Polity-based center. Thus, we’re using many generational based signs for evaluating potential polities as to the health of the Polity, that usually show up in the Children and Elderly’s behavior first, and then the rest of the populace.
But, before taking the drastic step of moving - consider whether you current religious center would work. It is, as the St Thomas Aquinas quote says, the place where you do in fact, have debts. If they are even halfway decent, they have given you and your family spiritual succor till this point. Depending on how long you’ve been there, they’ve married you and your wife, baptized your children, administered confirmation, taught the Faith, etc.
In addition, the hour is late in the collapse of the Empire. Changing places of worship means building the most valuable assets all over again - those of human relationships. They are what make any Polity at any time; but are absolutely critical during desperate ones. New places may look at you with suspicion, you’ll have to show your worth, and you’ll need time to build up resources and get to know locals. Is it worth it?
Lastly, consider that you know the warts and negatives of the current location, and not the new one. You also know the benefits. You may know some of those on the new one, but you may be wrong or misled. You may have a grass is greener look. Or not.
Either way, consider the options.
And, if you don’t have ANY options (IE, you can’t afford moving), you go to the fight with weapons on hand. Do what you can to change your own time preferences, and those around you, and build the Polity you can where you’re at. Even if you can’t move at all, and have to live far away, it’s better than nothing.
Because, I will say, again, if you are going to make a go of a real Polity, you need to live close to the place of Worship if you’re going to make it the heart of a Polity. So, if you really mean to stay with your current one, it may still mean moving in terms of housing as people don’t often buy houses with distance to their Parish or Church in mind.
And, encourage others to do the same.
Again, you want to build a neighborhood. Something where, as things break down and police don’t come around any more, one or two of the harder men might learn a thing or two about being a vigilante from
’s new piece. You can’t do that if you’re not serious about living together, near each other, and getting along.Yes, again, that may take sacrifice when you are living near the place of worship, as options are limited. Of not living in the best house you like. Not having the best yard. Or any number of things - but it does mean you get to have a neighborhood of people with values, morals, and names you know. Things beyond price, that are not material.
Are you able to achieve those things, and get that debt to those who you owe it to, repaid where you are?
Are you able to found a Polity where you are?
If not, kick the dust from your sandals. It’s ok.
They’ve made their choice. You make yours.
Make sure to keep them in your prayers the rest of your life, and repay the debt of Love that way, to the best you can.
Either choice is hard - don’t delude yourself. People like the comforts of modern life. Of living without sacrificing. They love the benefits and beauty of real life, human existence and fullness of a Polity, with beautiful children, friends, and neighbors. They don’t like the responsibilities that come with those relationships.
So, both roads are valid options for you to take.
Just make sure the road actually takes you Home, where you belong, in the end.
The worship due to our parents includes the worship given to all our kindred, since our kinsfolk are those who descend from the same parents, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. VIII, 12) The worship given to our country includes homage to all our fellow citizens and to all the friends of our country. Therefore piety extends chiefly to these
- St Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologica Secunda Secunda Q101 A1
Excellent points. I would only add: beware the Sunk Cost fallacy. Be as hard, cold, and rational as you possibly can when making decisions concerning the survival of your family.