MORAL THEOLOGY AND CATHOLIC DECISION MAKING

Part IV: Formation of Conscience

GIVE A LITTLE WHISTLE!And always let your conscience be your guide.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the

process of performing, or has already completed. In all he says and does, man is

obliged to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right. It is by the judgment of his

conscience that man perceives and recognizes the prescriptions of the divine law:

Conscience is a law of the mind; yet [Christians] would not grant that it is nothing more; I mean that it was not a dictate, nor conveyed the notion

of responsibility, of duty, of a threat and a promise. . . . [Conscience] is a messenger of him,

who, both in nature and in grace, speaks to us behind a veil, and teaches and rules us by his

representatives. Conscience is the aboriginal Vicar of Christ.- Bl. JHN (#1778)

GAUDIUM ET SPESTHE PASTORAL CONSTITUTION

ON THE CHURCH IN THE MODERN WORLD

In the depths of his conscience, man detects a law which he does not impose upon himself, but which holds him to obedience. Always summoning him to love good and

avoid evil, the voice of conscience when necessary speaks to his heart: do this, shun that. For man has in his heart a law written by God; to obey it is the very dignity of man; according to it he will be judged. Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of a man. There he is alone with God, Whose voice echoes in his depths.

VERITATIS SPLENDOR

Conscience thus formulates moral obligation in the light of the natural law: it is the

obligation to do what the individual, through the workings of his conscience, knows to be a good he is called to do here and now. (#59)

Bl. John Paul II

“My conscience told me to do x.” “Well my conscience told me you’re wrong!”

Universal Principles

✦ Treat others as you expect to be treated.✦ Do good and avoid evil.

✦ Do no evil to achieve any good.✦ Love for God or neighbour is always a greater love.

Formation of Conscience

The art of prudent judgement.

Means of Forming a Moral Conscience

Acceptance of moral teaching.

Knowledge of Christian life and doctrine.

Prayer and meditation.

Personal examination.

Spiritual direction.

Acceptance of moral teaching.Being aware of the Church’s teachings is an obligation.

Wrestling to understand and appreciate them is a process.

Knowledge of Christian life and doctrine.

Conscience is also formed by understanding the supernatural

things which we believe.

Prayer and meditation.

If conscience is our meeting place with God, then prayer is the words we exchange.

Personal examination.

General and particular daily examinations of conscience

make for a thorough examination before the

confession of sins.

Spiritual direction.The doctor who treats himself

has a fool for a patient.-Dr. William Osler

A CLEAR CONSCIENCE......is a soft pillow.

TUNE IN NEXT WEEK: TUESDAY, 29 NOVEMBER @7PM

“Life of Virtue” Ethics based upon virtue and the acquisition of virtue.