Experience of Good and Evil

Good

An idea which is difficult to define but which generally sums up an action, thing, or person who holds characteristics and attributes that are desired by most.

Evil

An absence or disruption of what is good.

Physical or Natural Evil

Evil that occurs, not from human actions, but from the result of human disaster, such as flood and bushfire.

Moral Evil or Sin

Evil that results from the freely chosen actions and attitudes of people.

Original Sin

A basic characteristic of human nature resulting from the first humans rejecting God's love and friendship. Acknowledges that human beings are imperfect and that we have weaknesses. In Baptism we are freed from it, but the consequences remain in our inclination to do wrong.

Free Will

God created humans with the ability to make our own choices and control our own actions.

The Goodness of Creation

The world is a good place to live. We believe this because the world is created and sustained by God, and through the Holy Spirit, God is active in all creation.

Grace

The action of God in the world. It is the gift that helps us know God better, become stronger in faith and live a just life.

Suffering

The pain, distress or hardship that we all experience in our lives that generally comes as a result of evil.

Triumph of Good

The New Testament story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus shows us that good will finally triumph over evil, and encourages us to believe that we too can overcome evil in our daily lives.

Striving for Goodness - 1

The importance of Others

We are called together to live as a part of a community so that we have, and can be, good role models in others lives.

Striving for Goodness - 2

Exercising your Conscience

Our conscience tells us what is right and wrong. We need to reflect on issues and use our conscience to help us make the right decisions.

Striving for Goodness - 3

Knowing More About Who Jesus Is

We should learn from what Jesus taught us and follow his example.

Striving for Goodness - 4

Praying

When we pray we communicate with God, and God listens and responds with love. This is especially helpful for us when we are trying to know what is right and what is wrong.

Striving for Goodness - 5

Strengthened by the Sacraments

The Sacrament of Reconciliation reminds us that we cannot do good just by our own efforts, we need God's help. When we make mistakes God is always there, offering us forgiveness and love.