One paragraph summary of the key idea summarizing the major idea of the section:Catholic Morality
The main idea of this section is the morality of Catholicism specifically. To study this morality, the section focused primarily on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the purpose and process of one's conscience. The Catholic Church teaches through the Magisterium, which includes Bishops, doctrines, and dogmas. The Catechism is the text of Catholic "rules" and moral guidelines and definitions. First, the Church believes that freedom is the freedom TO do something. In addition, in being free to choose, one's morality is based on the object, intention, and cirumstances surrounding a decision. Passions, or strong desires, may influence a decision for the negative, but some passions are positive. The effect of passions mainly depends on the will of the individual. THe Catholic Church defines conscience as a judgement of reason, and man is obliged to follow what his conscience reveals. One forms conscience over a lifetime, and in choosing through conscience, one must never do evil for good, one must follow the golden rule, and one must work for charity through the love of neighbor. Morality in the Church can be greatly influenced by a person's virtues and vices; virtues that lead a man to do good, and vices that lead to sin, either venial or mortal. The conscience is a major component in Catholic morality, for it is a person's "sacred center" and is truly pure and free. The conscience is a power of reason and knowledge that guides a Catholic into knowing what is right and wrong, and Catholics are urged to carefully go through a method to decide, rather than a hasty decision. Finally, the "Ten Building Blocks" also aid in the definition of Catholic morality. The blocks say that Catholics should believe in the principles of human dignity, human life, association, participation, protection of the poor and vulnerable, solidarity, stewardship, subsidiarity, human equality, and common good.
List and explain three of the most important ideas you want to remember from this week.
Catechism's "To Choose in Accordance with Conscience"-The catechism states that when a person faces a moral decision, their conscience can either lead to the right choice, or erroneous judgement. Despite the situation, one must always seek what is right and in accordance with God's divine will. In choosing, man should reflect on experience and look for assistance through prudence, advice, and the Holy Spirit. When one chooses in accordance to what their conscience correctly deems right, one must always remember to follow three rules. Evil should never be done, even if good results from it, one must follow the Golden Rule, and one must work for charity by respecting and loving their neighbor.
Conscience as a Power and a Process-Conscience is both a power and a process, but not a feeling. As a power, conscience is the sacred core of every human. In one's conscience, one is truly themself and truly free. Therefore, denying conscience denies one's self and freedom. Conscience is a gift from God, and it is the place in every human where God dwells. Conscience is also a power of reason, which helps a person life a moral and fulfilled life. Conscience, as a process, considers several viewpoints or choices, and guide humans towards the correct and moral decision. Conscience is also a process of reason, in which human can reason about the rights and wrongs of a given situation. With the gift of conscience, humans must correctly and willingly form their conscience in order to posses "correct moral principles" that guide the reaon of conscience. In addition, conscience involves seeking knowledge, truth, and spirituality. Finally, conscience helps a person to know what is right and avoid evil, and to make the correct choice with God's help.
The OPTION Method-The option method is one of many methods that one can use to contemplate and correctly form a decision. The option method includes six steps. First, one must list the OPTIONS and their motives, consequences, and relation to one's goals. Also, one most consider which option is the most mature. The next step is PRAYER, which calls the person to pray to God and present all the options and pray for guidance and the ability to choose the best decision. After prayer, one must TEST the options to see how they relate to personal and relgious values, and how one wants to live. INFORMATION is another critical step, because it presents the person with the facts and consensus of others that may guide one's decision for the best. After considering the facts, a person should check the options and see how they fit in with their OBLIGATIONS, especially those of values and those to God. The final step is to see if any NEW OPTIONS have arisen after the previous five steps. If new options didarise, it is important to consider them because one might end up being the best decision. After following the OPTION method, one should make a choice based on the judgement in the method. In making the final decision, one must continue to trsut in God and be responsible for any consequences of the decision.
One or two good images that remind you of "Catholic Morality"
