Matthew Self
5/17/07
Final Theology Essay

In my Junior Morality class this year, the most important idea that I have learned is that many of Jesus’s teachings are part of an ideal law. He tries to get us to go further than doing only the minimum and begin to work for the good of others before that of ourselves. The Beatitudes, for example, are an extension of the Ten Commandments that push to love our neighbors rather than simply co-existing with them. People should strive to create mutual happiness and cooperation so that everyone can enjoy what God has given us.

Another lesson was the similarity in the core teachings of many religions. The resemblance was most apparent in the teachings telling people to treat their neighbors as they would like to be treated. Many world religions share a variation of this philosophy and have it as a major part of their core teachings. I see this similarity as evidence for the Law of Human Nature because it indicates that, despite differences in other details, religions share main teachings concerning how people should act with other men. Most of us share an understanding that there is a standard—acknowledged or not—to which we should adhere in order to create a more peaceful environment for all. Men are different in many physical ways, but ultimately, we are the same: we all share similar hopes, fears, and desires. It is on this spiritual level, deep inside man, that we are connected; however, we must each choose whether we want to accept and honor this relationship.

The idea of conscience as a process involving reason is very important to me because I am a big believer in following a logical course of action. Forming a conscience is not a quick-and-easy process but rather a life-long process that requires constant self-reflection. We must try to decide the best thing to do; and what is best for everyone can be determined using reason. The challenging part is to look past the sole good of oneself and instead trying to help others first. Putting my faith in something as abstract as my conscience does come as difficult, but it is also hard to completely deny its existence when I can feel something pushing me toward good. Using reason can help me figure out what is best for my future and for that of others: the key idea is looking beyond the present.

The last major thing that I learned and really want to keep with me is the LISTEN method for making decisions. It allows a person to be thorough, thereby offering reassurance that the decision is the best one possible. The important thing is not always the decision, though; that we truly try to make a good decision sets a precedent and makes doing so easier next time. One part that I often forget to use is “expecting God’s help,” which is a vital part of making a moral decision. Oftentimes, I find it hard to swallow my pride and admit that I do need help; also, I sometimes fear that He does want me—making it hard to look up for support. However, I believe that as I become more aware of theses aspects of myself, it becomes easier to alter them for the better.

I have been given the tools to lead a good and peaceful life, but I still need to find a greater sense of Faith to achieve happiness. I have grown in this class but not without moments of great moral depravity that often weaken my strength and resolve. I do believe that Faith in God allows for a better life, and my future actions will dictate what I have truly learned.