Paul Marsek

Jr. Theology

Mr. Sciuto

Assignment on Conscience

 

            When discussing conscience it is important to remember that it is both a power and a process.  As a power: God created us in his image and likeness.  He created us as we are with a unique conscience, the place inside of us where God dwells.  It is our inner core where we are our purest selves.  To deny our conscience goes against who we are, and since we were created in God’s image and likeness going against our conscience goes against God.  It is where our true freedom resides and it gives us the power of reason.  As a process: The power of reason allows us to examine ourselves and our decisions to determine what is morally right.  We must undergo the process of updating and reforming our conscience to make sure it is upright and informed.  As we reform our conscience and make decisions, we must remember that assistance from God, family, and friends is part of the process. 

 

Othello’s question about what to do about his wife and the “LISTEN” method.

Look for the Facts: Othello thinks that his wife is sleeping with his lieutenant Cassio.  The only proof he has is that Desdemona lost her handkerchief and that his advisor Iago claims Cassio said it in his sleep.  He needs to investigate further, talk to his wife, her attendant, and Michael Cassio.  The fact is, the night Iago claims to have heard this, Cassio never went to sleep. 

Imagine the Possibilities: It is important for Othello to analyze each option and then determine the outcome that would come from choosing that option.  He only sees two options, kill her or let her live.  I think the best option would be to further investigate the charges made against her.  The charges and evidence have come from the same person, Iago.  If he further investigates and she is guilty, he could divorce her and not have the stain of murder on his conscience.  If she is innocent, he can forgive her and bring appropriate charges to Iago.

Seek Insight Beyond Your Own: Everyone needs help.  Othello needs to realize that he needs assistance in this matter beyond that of his mind that  has been poisoned by Iago.  He has many friends in Cyprus that would assist him and help him gather evidence on Cassio and Desdemona.  Desdemona never leaves her attendant Emilia, Iago’s wife.  She could be of great assistance in breaking this case.

Turn Inward: Othello needs to reflect and decide what he is going to do and what he truly feels.  Does he feel that his most trusted friend and wife would deceive him and do anything to hurt him?  Does he really want either of them dead?  Is either Desdemona or Cassio capable of committing an offense like this?  If they did do this, what is the morally right decision to make in response to it?

Expect God’s Help: I do not know how much of a prayerful man Othello is, but he needs to realize that this is a decision that requires thought, time, and reflection.  Through reflection and prayer, if he so chooses, the answer will eventually come to him. 

Name Your Decision: Part of helping you make the right decision and following through on it is naming your decision.  Even if naming the decision for Othello means postponing the decision until new evidence can be found that is still a decision that can be acted upon.  In naming his decision, it forces him to be honest and focus on competing his decision.