Making Moral

Decisions

Making Good Decisionso We are shaped by our choices

o Every moral choice we make reveals the kind of person we are and forms the kind of person we become

EX. 1. From the choice to throw our garbage properly in the trash can

– our choice of vocation or career in life.

Making Good Decisions

Sometimes, good choice may seem so clear hat we pursue it without much deliberation

Other times, good choice may not be so clear because there are important factors to consider:

- circumstances of our decision-making- possible short-term or long-term consequences- other people’s guidance- our values formed with the guidance of moral

norms

Making Good Decisions

Why do we need to make moral decisions more carefully?

- The choices before us involve conflicting values- There is uncertainty or doubt- Peer pressure- Possible negative consequences

What values do we need to choose, what is good ?

Making Good Decisions

Different ways by which people make moral decisions

“toss coin” decisions

“bahala na”

“ene-minie-mienimo”

Developed a manual or guide for the Spiritual Exercises for prayer and discernment in the context of a30-day retreat

St. Ignatius Loyola(Patron of retreats and prayers)

Making Good Decisions

Bible cutting/ randomly opening the bible to a verse and interpreting its message as God’s will – it isolates the written text of Sacred scriptures from its stages of formation, its intended purpose, its proper use and interpretation and the over-all Christian message

Making Good Decisions

1.Extreme individualities – only consider their self-centered

perspective without listening to the wisdom of the moral norms, Church teachings and others - danger of “rationalizing away” (excusing) even clearly morally evil acts

Ex. A student may rationalize his resolve to cheat in the exam by dwelling on his need to pass

Making Good Decisions

2. Passive conformist - leave the decision-

making to his/her barkada or other authority figures , sometimes disregarding the very prompting of his/her own conscience.

How can we develop the skill of making HOLISTIC DECISIONS ?

How can our personal, loving knowledge of Jesus shape the

way we make our everyday moral decisions?Jesus’ life and teachings allow us to discern what

is good for us as well as for others

1. Jn. 8:12 = “ I am the light of the world. Whoever follow me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

2. Acts 2:1-4

= “Christ's spirit of love, the holy spirit, gives us the courage to choose the good. The same spirit empowered the fearful disciples at Pentecost

3. Acts 9: 1-19 = instrumental in Paul's

conversion

4. Lk 22: 39-46= “ christs’ own crossroads –

in the garden of gethsemane where he confronted the certainty of his suffering and death with such agony”

5. Mt. 20:28= “Jesus' prayed to the father, embraced what was good and

lovingly entrusted himself to the father’s will so that his life may

be offered as a ransom for many”

6. 1 Jn 3:1= “Jesus is our model of fortitude

and true freedom. Selflessly offering his life to fulfill the father's will that we may be called the children of god.

7. James 14:6 = “ Christ beckons us to follow

him for he IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.”

Important Elements in Making Moral Decisions

A.Investigate the facts of the Moral Act

3 Dimensions of every Moral Act:1.The object or nature of the act

- “What is the act involved ?”Example:a.The act involved in maligning the good reputation of

a classmate by spreading gossip is lying, or SLANDER

b.A person who takes another person’s possession is guilty of STEALING

c. A married person who has intimate relations with someone other than one’s spouse commits ADULTERY

2. Intention of the act ( subjective aspect)

– why are you doing it? Why did you commit the act?

“ A good end does not justify a morally evil means”

Example:When a student lets a friend copy from his own

paper during an exam, his goal is to help a friend pass the subject.

3. Circumstances of the act

- “What are the important factors involved in the act? “ It is necessary to understand the particulars of the moral act in order on facts rather than on whim mere sentimentally.

A.Inquire about the moral norms affecting your act

B.Imagine alternativeness and consequences

C.Introspect: Listen to your emotions

D.Implore God’s help in prayer- reading and praying using Bible- visiting the Blessed sacrament- Exercising the examine of consciousness- journalizing

GROWING IN VIRTUE, GROWING IN CHRIST

A.Cardinal Virtues

1.PRUDENCE- the virtue of good moral judgment or

wisdom.Example: A prudent person/teenager is someone who

makes moral decisions carefully and intelligently, knows his/her priorities, and clearly distinguishes between what is good and true from what is evil and false

2. FORTITUDE

- the virtue of moral strength or moral courage, the capacity to resist temptation and pursue what is good despite obstacles

Example:Someone who possesses the virtue of

fortitude has the ability to endure, overcome difficulties and sacrifice to do what is good.

3. JUSTICE- the firm will to give persons their due

Example:A truly just person is one who genuinely respect all persons, acts compassionately towards all those in need, and has a firm sense of responsibility towards others and the whole community

4. TEMPERANCE- the virtue of moderation or self-mastery.

Example:A person who exemplifies temperance

manager his/her emotions, drives, and impulses and expresses them appropriately

THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

1. FAITH

2. HOPE

3.LOVE