Church as the Body of Christ and Natural Moral Law

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts of the Church as the Body of Christ, principles of Natural Moral Law, and the differences between rights, privileges, and government laws.

Unity (Ephesians 4:3–6)

A gift of the Holy Spirit held together through the bond of peace, uniting believers as one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.

Natural Law (CCC 1954)

Law written and engraved in the soul of each and every man, defined as human reason ordaining him to do good and forbidding him to sin.

Universal (Natural Law)

A characteristic of natural law meaning it is for everyone and applicable to anyone with no exemptions.

Beyond Government (Natural Law)

A characteristic of natural law meaning it is not limited or applicable only to a specific area or group, but is for all.

Respect for Human Life

A principle of Natural Moral Law stating that every life is sacred from conception to death.

Respect for Human Dignity

A principle of Natural Moral Law stating that every person has worth, whatever their race, gender, or social status.

Respect for The Common Good

A principle of Natural Moral Law focused on promoting the well-being of all through justice, solidarity, and community welfare.

Freedom and Conscience

A principle of Natural Moral Law stating that people make moral choices, are responsible for them, and must follow a well-formed conscience.

Natural Moral Law

An absolute law coming from the nature of man and the world that operates without special conditions, exemptions, or considerations.

Laws of Government

Rules that differ from one country to another and contain exceptions and sub-laws to compensate for certain dilemmas.

Rights

Basic needs inherently and naturally given by God, rooted in human dignity, such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and health care.

Privilege

Things that people want that are not inherently given, but must be earned, and can be taken away or revoked.