Religion IVDecember 4, 2014

The word conscience is rarely found in the bible.

Bible uses the word “heart” to mean conscience, except in epistles of Paul

Psalm 119 provides a good description of knowing the heart

Conscience in Scripture

Assaults on human dignity in the form of Communism, Fascism, Nazism, capitalism, individualism and consumerism caused the Bishops to meet in Rome from 1962-1965.

Names conscience as an essential element of humanity and tool for moral decision making.

Vatican II

We are called to follow what we believe is right. (#1778)

Correct conscience makes decisions with input from groups and other individuals. (#16)

Man must be free to act with his conscience and he must not be forced to act against it (#1782)

Church teaching

Overview of the Catholic Church's teachings about humanity's relationship to society

Special emphasis on economics, poverty, social justice, culture, science, technology and ecumenism.

Speaks of conscience in #16 and #17.

Gaudium et Spes

Wrote the “Splendor of Truth” which deals with moral decision making.

He says conscience and Jesus are joined.

The individualist conscience disregards Jesus.

Magisterium provides moral guidance.

JPII

Always strive for the truth Look to Jesus as the source of truth Recognizing that what is right and good is

not always what we seem to want Pursue information and guidance the best

we can Take seriously church teaching Listen to past wisdom Look toward possible consequences Learn from others

Conscience ChecklistWhen we follow our conscience, we…

Are sensitive to others Investigate personal motives, pressures,

past patterns of behavior Take positive steps Look critically at the messages of our

culture Make moral judgment to the best of our

ability Remain open to the possibility that we may

be mistaken in our moral judgment

Conscience ChecklistWhen we follow our conscience, we…

Example of a person who follows his conscience.

Was Chancellor of England. Was asked by King Henry VIII to sign an

oath declaring him head of the Church in England.

Refused to sign, was found guilty of treason and beheaded.

Many of his contemporaries signed. He felt he could not face God if he did what

was not right.

St. Thomas More

Choose a movie in which a character faces a crisis of conscience. Describe the process the person goes through to make the decision. Discuss the issue of conscience in relation to our materials from class.

Movie must be “signed up” for, because each must be unique.

Assignment