Unit 1, Chapter 1: Morality, Natural Law, and Moral Freedom

Morality

How to live in union with Christ, focusing on authentic human flourishing rather than just following rigid rules.

Natural Law

Universal, eternal and written on the soul of every person regardless of religious belief.

Objective Moral Truth

The universal, unchanging principles of right and wrong established by God's eternal law.

Relativism

Right and wrong are subjective, varying by individual preference and circumstance.

Sequela Christi

Following Christ - Putting on Christ.

Legalism

Strict, literal, or excessive adherence to rules, laws, or codes.

External Conformity

Doing good to avoid punishment or out of duty.

Internal Conformity

Loving what Christ loves.

Moral Minimalism

What is the bare minimum to avoid the wrong or sin.

Happiness

State of well being and contentment.

Meaning

The feeling that life has coherence, a clear purpose, and deep significance.

Soul

Divine gift unique to humans and innermost aspect of ourselves - animates our bodies and makes us human.

Free Will

Makes us individually responsible for our actions and accountable for our moral choices.

Etiology

A story that helps explain something's cause or origin.

Original Sin

Describes humanity's shared state of sinfulness and separation from God.

Ethics

Reason alone.

Moral Theology

Reason enlightened by faith.

Object (of a sin)

What makes something a sin.

Intent (of a sin)

What makes something a sin.

Circumstance (of a sin)

What makes something a sin.

Indifference

A false sense of freedom that is contrary to moral freedom.

My desires only

A false sense of freedom that is contrary to moral freedom.

Happiness

A false sense of freedom that is contrary to moral freedom.

Ignorance

One of the three things that can affect our ability to make free choices.

Fear

One of the three things that can affect our ability to make free choices.

Social Pressure

One of the three things that can affect our ability to make free choices.