U4 - Module 2 The concept of freedom from a religious perspective. A religious belief, teaching, ritual or practice provided by a religion to help people in their search for freedom.

Freedom

Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on ones own responsibility CCC1731

Perfect Freedom

A perfect relationship with God, a relationship unhampered by sin, strive towards this.
Free of Sins → Perfect relationship with God → To go to heaven → Perfect Freedom
Freedom is a god given gift to all human beings
We have the right to know what is true and good

Physical Freedom

Freedom from slavery or physical bondage. Absence of external compulsion or violence that would coerce a person to act or not act in a certain way. Lack of physical restraint or pressure compelling a given action.

Freedom is a condition in which people have the opportunity to speak, act and pursue happiness without unnecessary external restrictions.

Excessive intervention by the state can threaten personal freedom and initiative

Inner Freedom

Moral freedom or the ability to choose the good. God wants us to be our true selves-joyous, aware and living each moment to the fullest.

• To grow in self-knowledge to become more aware of my authentic self and to live out that authenticity

• To see myself through the loving eyes of God

• to Accept loving relationships

Pope John Paul II

“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” Pope John Paul II - Freedom is about choosing good, and avoiding evil, why would you choose anything else
“the more one does what is good the freer one becomes.”

Catholic Perspective on Freedom MORAL

Catholic teachings empahsises moral responsibility and conscience in exercising freedom. Believers are called to use their freedom to follow Gods commaandments and pursue holiness.

Catholic Perspective on Freedom SOCIAL TEACHING

The Catholic church emphasises social justice, the common good, and solidarity. Freedom is understood within the context of ones duties.

Catholic Perspective on freedom SACRAMENTS

Participation in sacraments is seen as a way to grow in true freedom, Through sacraments, believers receive grace that strengthens their ability to choose good, Baptism and Reconciliation.

Secular Perspective on Freedom

Freedom in Australia is often seen as individual right and personal autonomy. Key freedoms include speech, movement, association, assembly, influencing public debates and policies. Australia’s multiculturalism leads to varied views on freedom. Written in the Australian Constiution

Penance

Post baptismal sacrament to remove the stain of both venial and mortal sins .

Individuals confess sins, receive absolution, and restore their connections with God-supporting self-awareness, personal growth, and freedom from guilt

ritual - use symbolic actions to express and promote what is important about faith

Freedom through human need and salvation

Receiving forgiveness allows people to move closer to God and work towards salvation—eternal life with God, which is the ultimate state of peace, love, and freedom.

How/ WhyPenance helps people in the search for freedom

Penance allows individuals to reflect deeply on their actions, take responsibility, and ask for Gods forgiveness. This process leads to greater self-awareness, and emotional release from guilt or shame, healing from the effects of sin. By being freed from past mistakes, people are empowered to make better choices and live more authentically—key steps in the journey toward true freedom in mind, heart, and spirit.

Penance aids in the search for freedom by allowing individuals to confront guilt and shame associated with their wrongdoings. By seeking forgiveness, individuals ultimately embrace change and experience renewed freedom in their lives.

Key features of penance

1. Contrition: Examination of conscience, requires a personal to think about their conduct, ask for enlightenment.

2. Confession: Involves confessing to every moral and venial sin to a priest, for healing purposes.

3. Satisfaction: The giving of penance by the priest, consisting of prayers or good work in love.

4. Absolution: Where the priest gives Gods forgiveness to the penitent