Comprehensive Morality and Human Dignity: Catholic Teachings and Natural Law

What is morality?

The science of what humans ought to do based on who they are.

What are the 3 sources of knowledge for Catholic morality?

Human reason, human experience, divine revelation.

What is human reason?

Our ability to think and use our intellect.

What is human experience?

The collective wisdom of others, living and dead.

What is divine revelation?

God's truth found in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

What is morality for?

Happiness, eternal life, and becoming fully alive.

What is responsibility?

Our ability to respond.

How is morality a response to God?

We respond to God's love and invitation to live in relationship with Him and others.

What is moral relativism?

The belief that nothing is objectively good or evil.

What is objective truth?

Some things are good or evil for everyone, in every situation.

What is the difference between moral relativism and objective truth?

Relativism says 'whatever works for you is right.' Objective truth says some things are always right or wrong.

What is the problem with moral relativism?

It rejects truth, sin, repentance, and revelation.

What 2 human abilities help us live a moral life?

Intelligence and freedom.

How does intelligence help us?

It helps us know truth about God.

How does freedom help us?

It allows us to choose and determine our actions.

What is free will?

The ability to choose among alternatives.

What comes with free will?

Responsibility and consequences.

Who gives us the Holy Spirit?

Jesus.

How do we receive the Holy Spirit?

Through Baptism.

What does the Holy Spirit make possible?

He allows Christ to work through us, makes us holy, and helps us choose love.

Why is the Church a moral guide?

To bring the truth of Christ and the Gospel to people.

What are sources of support from the Church?

Sacraments, community, examples, leadership, and teaching.

What is the Magisterium?

The living teaching office of the Church.

Who makes up the Magisterium?

Bishops in union with the Pope.

What does the Magisterium do?

Guards and interprets God's Revelation in Scripture and Tradition.

Who is the ultimate model of a moral life?

Jesus.

How do we follow Jesus?

Imitate Him, let Him into our lives, and follow His teachings.

What is humanity's status as creatures?

God is the Creator; we are His creatures.

What makes humans special?

We are made in the image and likeness of God.

What does being made in God's image give us?

Dignity, value, and worth.

Why were we created?

Out of love, for love, and to love.

What is our responsibility toward creation?

To lovingly care for it as stewards.

What are humans?

Both spiritual and physical beings.

What are our unique spiritual abilities?

Intellect, free will, love, responsibility, and capacity to grow.

What is intellect?

The ability to think, reason, and discover truth.

What is the ability to love?

Choosing to do good for others.

What is capacity to grow?

The ability to change and learn from experience and mistakes.

What is interdependence?

Humans need and help one another.

What does Genesis teach about creation?

Creation is good.

What is nihilism?

The belief that life has no meaning and there are no positive values.

What is human dignity?

Having worth and value and being worthy of respect.

What is the source of human dignity?

Being made in the image and likeness of God.

What does inherent mean?

Inborn — created with dignity.

What does inviolable mean?

Dignity cannot be violated.

What does inalienable mean?

Dignity cannot be taken away.

What are the 3 I's?

Inherent, inviolable, inalienable.

Can sin take away human dignity?

No. Sin can distort God's image in us but cannot destroy our dignity.

What are actions that respect human dignity?

Including others, greeting people, gratitude, and appreciation.

What are actions that disrespect human dignity?

Manipulation, exploitation, humiliation, and violence.

What happened in the Fall?

Adam and Eve disobeyed God.

How did they use their free will?

They chose to disobey God.

What happened after they sinned?

They hid, blamed others, and faced consequences.

What does the Fall teach us about choices?

Choices have consequences.

What is authentic freedom?

Freedom to choose what is good and true.

Is authentic freedom doing whatever you want?

No. It means choosing what is right.

What is license?

Unlimited freedom — doing whatever you want without responsibility.

What does license disregard?

God's law, your own good, and the rights of others.

What can license lead to?

Sin and harmful consequences.

What is external freedom?

Freedom from outside factors that limit our choices.

What is internal freedom?

Freedom from inside factors that limit our choices.

What is natural law?

Our original moral sense of good and evil.

What are the qualities of natural law?

Universal, permanent, and unchanging.

Who does natural law apply to?

Everyone, everywhere, forever.

What does natural law teach us?

What to do and avoid.

What is Divine/Eternal Law?

God's law that guides creation toward perfection.

Who is the source of Divine Law?

God.

What is the Old Law?

The Law of Moses, summarized in the 10 Commandments.

What does the Old Law teach?

To love God and neighbor.

What was the Old Law preparing us for?

The Gospel/New Law.

What is the New Law?

The perfection of natural and revealed law through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

What is the New Law based on?

Love, grace, and freedom.

What is the main message of the New Law?

Love one another as Christ loves us.

What is civil law?

Laws that apply natural law to society.

Can civil laws differ?

Yes, depending on society and circumstances.

What should civil laws be based on?

Natural law.

What happens if a civil law violates natural law?

It is an unjust law.

How does God's Law guide freedom?

It guides us toward eternal happiness and who God calls us to be.

Does God's Law take away freedom?

No. It helps us use freedom correctly.

What does God's Law give us?

An objective standard for judging our actions.

What is divine providence?

God's wisdom, power, and goodness guiding creation toward perfection.

How is God's Law a life of love?

It teaches us to love God and others and choose what is good.