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Conscience

From the General to the Specific

Conscience is the application of Catholic moral principles to particular situations. It is an operation of the intellect, not of the will. Our conscience is correct when its moral appraisal of the applicable principles is true, or in error if its moral appraisal of the applicable principles is false.

We may be certain or doubtful of the moral principles applicable in a particular case. We always obey when our conscience is certain, even though it may be objectively false, since it is the nearest available standard we have for knowing what is right or wrong. Jesus will judge us by our fidelity to our informed conscience. We never act on a doubtful conscience. If we do we say to God, “This may please or offend You, but I don’t care. I will do it anyway.”

Based on Objective Moral Principles

We need to know the general principles of faith and reason in order to assess the goodness or badness of a particular situation. If we say to Jesus, “I love You, but I’m not interested in knowing how You want me to live,” He will ask us, Lk 6:46 “Why do you call Me ’Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” He told us, Mt 7:21 “Not every one who says to Me, ’Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.”

Christ’s moral principles are objective. The conscience of the faithful, even when informed by the virtue of prudence, must be subject to the Church, whose duty is to explain the whole moral law authoritatively. These principles evoke great moral courage and generosity. The Church honors men and women of principle only because they had objective principles to follow and, if need be, to die for. The martyrs suffered even torture and death rather than deny Christ.

Christ’s moral principles are independent of the subjective judgment of the human mind. Their validity is not conditioned by changing circumstances or times.

How We Form Our Conscience

» Study the moral teachings of the Church.

» Make an appointment with the priest and ask him to help resolve a hard issue in our life.

» During Confession, listen to the priest’s explanation and advice.

Copyright © 1999-2008 Martin K Barrack. All rights reserved.