Religion (conscience)

Definition of Conscience

Conscience is God's guidance within us that helps us recognise what is right and wrong. Catholics believe they should form their conscience through prayer, the Bible, Church teachings and reason

What is Moral Decision-Making Process (AIC)

AIC stands for Action, Intention and Circumstances. These help Catholics judge whether an action is morally right or wrong

What is Action and give me an example

The behaviour or choice being made.

Example: A student lies to their teacher.

What is Intention and give me an example

The person's reason or purpose for acting.

Example: They want to avoid getting into trouble.

What is Circumstances and give me an example

The situation surrounding the decision, including who was affected and the possible consequences.

Example: They missed an assignment deadline and are worried about the consequences.

What is Natural Law?

Natural Law is the belief that God created human nature with the ability to use reason to understand what is right and wrong.

What did St Thomas Aquinas teach people to do?

St Thomas Aquinas taught that people can use reason to recognise moral truths and should choose good and avoid evil.

What are examples of Natural Law

• Protecting human life.

• Telling the truth.

• Treating others fairly.

• Helping people in need.

What is the first four principes of Conscience, what is it and give an example.

Everyone is obligated to form their own conscience.

People must learn and think carefully about what is right and wrong. Catholics can use the Bible, Church teachings, prayer and reason to form their conscience.

Example: Learning why cheating is wrong before deciding whether to cheat on a test.

What is the second four principes of Conscience, what is it and give an example.

Everyone is obligated to follow their sincere conscience.

People should follow what they honestly believe is morally right after thinking carefully about their decision.

Refusing to join in bullying because you sincerely believe it is wrong.

What is the THIRD four principes of Conscience, what is it and give an example.

Conscience does not decide right or wrong.

Conscience helps us judge whether an action is right or wrong, but it does not make an action morally right just because we believe it is right. Our conscience can be mistaken and needs to be properly formed.

Example: Someone might think stealing is acceptable, but believing it is okay does not automatically make it morally right.

What is the FOURTH four principes of Conscience, what is it and give an example.

A good end does not justify immoral means.

Having a good intention does not make a wrong action acceptable. Both the goal and the action used to achieve it matter.

Example: Cheating on a test to get good marks is still wrong, even if you want to make your parents proud