Morals

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Catholic Church, which is exercised by the Pope and the bishops in communion with him, responsible for interpreting and preserving the faith.

Encyclicals

Formal letters or documents issued by the Pope to address specific issues or teachings, intended to guide the faithful and clarify Church doctrine.

Catechism

A summary of principles and teachings of the Catholic faith, often presented in a question-and-answer format, used for instruction and education of believers.

Moral Instructions

Guidelines provided by the Church that outline ethical behavior and moral conduct, often based on Scripture and Church teachings, aimed at helping individuals live a virtuous life.

Natural Law

A philosophical belief that certain rights or values are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason.

Moral Law

Principles of right and wrong that are believed to be universal and can guide human behavior.

Human Nature

The inherent characteristics, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, that are shared by all humans.

Reason

The capacity of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments logically.

Natural Rights

Rights that are considered to be granted by nature and not dependent on laws or customs.

Moral Absolutism

The belief that certain actions are absolutely right or wrong, regardless of context or consequences.

Legal Positivism

The theory that laws are rules created by human beings and are not necessarily linked to morality.

Dignity

Inherent, inviolable quality of humans.

Humans

Rational, free beings called to love.

Object

The specific action or deed that is performed in a human action.

Intention

The underlying reason or purpose for which an action is undertaken.

Circumstances

The contextual factors or conditions that surround and influence the action.

What must be good for a moral act to be good?

Object, Intention, Circumstances

Conscience

A judgment of reason to do good and avoid evil.

Formation of Conscience

Must be formed through Scripture, Church teaching, prayer, and virtue.

Conscience vs. Personal Preference

Not the same as personal preference.

Freedom

Freedom is not 'doing whatever you want,' but the ability to choose the good.

True freedom

True freedom is ordered toward God.

Sin

An act that goes against divine law, resulting in a separation from God.

Mortal Sin

A grave violation of God's law that results in the loss of sanctifying grace.

Grave Matter

The serious nature of a sin that must be present for it to be classified as mortal.

Full Knowledge

Awareness of the sinful nature of an act, understanding that it is against God's law.

Deliberate (Full) Consent

The voluntary choice to commit a sin, fully aware of its gravity and consequences.

Effect of Venial Sin

Destroys charity in the soul and sanctifying grace.

Venial Sin

Less serious sin that damages charity but does not destroy sanctifying grace.

Effects of Sin

Damages relationship with God

Weakens the will

Harms the community

Eternal Law

God's wisdom

Revealed Law

Old and New Law (Bible)

Church Law / Canon Law

Applications of divine law (Ecclesial/Code of canon law)

Prudence

Right reason in action

Justice

Giving others their due

Fortitude

Courage to do the good

Temperance

Mastery of desires

Faith

Belief in God (terminate after death)

Hope

Trust in God's promises (terminate after death)

Charity

Love of God and neighbor (greatest virtue) (remains after death given you become a saint)

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, fear of the Lord bestowed upon at the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, etc.

1st Commandment

Love God above all

Faith, hope, charity

Three theological virtues

Idolatry

Worship of idols or false gods (against the 1st Commandment)

Superstition

Excessive belief in supernatural causality (against the 1st Commandment)

Atheism

Disbelief in the existence of God (against the 1st Commandment)

New Age movement

Spiritual movement emphasizing personal transformation (against the 1st Commandment)

2nd Commandment

Do not take the Lord's name in vain

Reverence for God

Showing deep respect and honor towards God

Blasphemy

The act of speaking disrespectfully about God (against the 2nd Commandment)

False oaths

Making promises or vows that are not truthful (against the 2nd Commandment)

Honorable oaths/promises

Commitments that glorify God and are made with integrity

Human Dignity

Every person is special because God made them. We must treat everyone with respect, no matter what they look like or have.

Family and Community

We need each other. We should support families and take part in our communities to help everyone succeed.

Rights and Responsibilities

Everyone deserves basics like food, a home, and safety. In return, we have a duty to help others get these things too.

Help the Poor

We should put the needs of the most vulnerable and poor people first.

Workers' Rights

Work is a way to use our talents. Workers deserve fair pay, safe conditions, and to be treated better than machines.

Solidarity

We are all one big human family. We should care about people everywhere, not just our neighbors.

Care for the Earth

The world is a gift from God. We are 'stewards' (caretakers) who must protect the planet for the future.

Which one of the 7 tenets is more important?

Human Dignity is the most important principle because it is the foundation for everything else

Describe the life of a Catholic saint and explain how their life reflected virtue and how they are exemplars of holiness for us here on Earth.

Saint Francis of Assisi abandoned a life of wealth to serve the poor and found the Franciscan Order. He exemplified humility, charity, and stewardship by embracing poverty and treating all of nature as a "brother" or "sister" in God's creation. As a model of holiness, Francis shows that a life of joy and peace is found in serving the marginalized and living simply in the image of Christ.