Sarah Mitchell
Catholics are guided by their faith in making moral decisions. The process begins with an understanding of oneself as a follower of Christ, and the belief that one has a mission to carry on Christ's work. This involves bringing about Goodness, Order and Life, which is marked by peace. Catholics are taught to make decisions with the intention of achieving their end goal of reuniting with God. This involves understanding the teachings of the Church, which are set by the Pope and Bishops, and applying them to specific situations. The LISTEN process is a popular framework for Catholics to make moral decisions. It involves looking for facts, imagining possibilities, seeking insight, turning inward, expecting God's help, and naming your decision.
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What You'll Learn
Understand your identity as a disciple of Christ
Understanding your identity as a disciple of Christ is a crucial aspect of making moral decisions as a Catholic. This understanding is rooted in the belief that you are a beloved child of God, with a unique identity shaped by your relationship with Jesus Christ. This identity is not defined by external factors such as appearance, achievements, or social status, but by your connection to Christ and your role in God's plan.
To grasp this identity, it is essential to study the Bible, which reveals God's Word and His perspective on His followers. Through Scripture, you can discover how God sees you and the purpose He has for your life. Spending time in prayer and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit are also vital components of understanding your identity in Christ. As you grow in your faith and knowledge of God, you will begin to recognise beliefs and behaviours that may not align with your identity as a disciple of Christ.
Your identity in Christ is also shaped by your relationship with other believers. Bearing one another's burdens and uniting with fellow Christians in worship strengthen your identity as a follower of Christ. Additionally, as you understand your identity, you will be empowered to live out your faith authentically, reflecting God's love and becoming more Christ-like in your daily life. This includes making moral decisions that are aligned with your values and principles as a disciple of Christ.
Understanding your identity in Christ provides clarity and confidence in your purpose. It enables you to recognise your God-given abilities and gifts, helping you to step out of your comfort zone and overcome obstacles. Ultimately, your identity as a disciple of Christ is a foundational aspect of your faith, influencing how you interact with God, yourself, and others as you navigate moral decisions and pursue your God-given purpose.
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Know the principles and values of the Church
To make a moral decision as a Catholic, one must know the principles and values of the Church. The Catholic Church teaches that morality is about acting as Christ acted—bringing about goodness, order, and life. Catholics are called to share in Christ's mission and to carry on his work, preparing for the coming of God's Kingdom. This involves promoting right relationships and peace, as well as respecting physical and eternal life.
The Church's teaching authority, known as the Magisterium, is constituted by the Bishops in union with the Pope. Catholics are called to be in union with the Church, understanding and living out its teachings. This includes following Catholic Social Teaching, which provides principles and themes to guide political decisions and engagement. For example, Catholics are encouraged to urge legislators towards just decisions, engage in civil discussion and debate, and raise awareness about issues.
In making moral decisions, Catholics should consult the teachings of Christ and the Church. This involves studying Scripture and the Catechism, as well as seeking guidance from the Church's leaders and community. Catholics can also use decision-making processes like the LISTEN (Look for the facts, Imagine possibilities, Seek insight, Turn inward, Expect God's help, Name your decision) process to help them thoughtfully consider their choices and their potential consequences.
Ultimately, Catholics are called to make decisions that are in harmony with their faith and that promote the common good. This may involve making sacrifices and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. By grounding their decisions in the principles and values of the Church, Catholics can strive to act as Christ would and further God's Kingdom.
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Consult experts and understand consequences
When making a moral decision, Catholics are encouraged to consult experts and understand the consequences of their actions. This involves seeking guidance from the Church and its teachings, as well as reflecting on the potential outcomes of their choices.
The Catholic Church, through the Bishops in union with the Pope, constitutes the official teaching authority, known as the Magisterium. By understanding the principles and values taught by the Church, Catholics can align their decisions with these teachings. This includes exploring the teachings of Christ and modelling their actions after Him, as He acted to bring about Goodness, Order, and Life.
Consulting with experts within the Church can provide clarity on complex moral dilemmas. It is important to identify the basic approach, consider theoretical situations, and apply these principles to the specific decision at hand. This process ensures that the decision aligns with Catholic doctrine and values.
Understanding the consequences of a decision is crucial. Catholics should consider the potential impact of their actions on themselves and others. This involves weighing the values at stake and recognising that sometimes, moral decisions require great sacrifices, as exemplified by Christ and the martyrs.
The LISTEN process, introduced by Saint Mary's Press, provides a framework for making moral decisions. It stands for Look for the facts, Imagine possibilities, Seek insight beyond your own, Turn inward, Expect God's help, and Name your decision. This process encourages Catholics to gather information, contemplate different outcomes, seek guidance, and ultimately make a decision informed by their values and faith.
By consulting experts within the Church and thoughtfully considering the potential consequences, Catholics can strive to make moral decisions that align with their faith and promote the common good.
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Pray for guidance from God
Catholics are advised to pray for guidance from God when making moral decisions. This is because Catholics believe that God acts to bring about Goodness, Order, and Life. Every sin diminishes or destroys these things.
There are several ways to pray for guidance from God. One way is to ask God for help and to share your worries and concerns with him. You can also ask for strength and courage. For example:
> Dear Lord, I am calling upon you today for your divine guidance and help. I am in crisis and need a supporting hand to keep me on the right and just path. My heart is troubled but I will strive to keep it set on you, as your infinite wisdom will show me the right way to a just and right resolution.
Another way to pray for guidance is to ask God to instruct and teach you. For example:
> I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.
You can also pray for God to shed light on your ignorance and sin:
> You have appointed from the treasures of your wisdom the hierarchies of angels, disposing them in wondrous order above the bright heavens, and have so beautifully set out all parts of the universe. [...] Be pleased to shed on the darkness of my mind [...] the twofold beam of your light and warmth to dispel my ignorance and sin.
Catholics can also seek guidance from the Word of God, as found in the Bible, and by listening to the Spirit of God.
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Intention is key: ends don't justify means
Catholicism teaches that the process of making moral decisions begins with an understanding of oneself as a child of God and a disciple of Christ. This self-understanding is crucial, as it reminds Catholics that they are called to share in Christ's mission and to act as Christ acted.
When making moral decisions, Catholics should consider both their identity and their intention. Intention is key, as it is the purpose that motivates a person to act. While Catholics strive for the ultimate end of reunification with God, the means by which they pursue this goal matter. The ends do not justify the means. Even if an intention seems good, it cannot make an objectively unjust action morally good.
For example, consider a situation where someone encourages a woman to have an abortion with the intention of increasing her quality of life. Despite the seemingly positive intention, the action of encouraging abortion is considered a moral evil by the Catholic Church because it involves taking an innocent life.
Catholics are called to make moral decisions that respect the dignity of human life and uphold the teachings of the Church. This may involve consulting with experts, praying for guidance, and considering the principles and values applicable to the specific situation. By following these steps and aligning their intentions with Catholic Social Teaching, Catholics can be confident that their actions are morally good.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to understand who you are and your mission as a follower of Christ.
The Catholic Church takes a deontological approach, believing that certain acts are inherently right or wrong, regardless of context or emotions. However, it also considers the teleological aspect, focusing on how individuals should act to achieve their end goal of reuniting with God.
Catholics should remember that the ends do not justify the means. Even with good intentions, certain actions are inherently immoral, such as encouraging abortion to increase the quality of life for the mother. The promotion of life is a fundamental principle.
Catholics can follow the LISTEN process: Look for the facts, Imagine possibilities, Seek insight beyond your own, Turn inward, Expect God's help, and Name your decision. Consulting experts, praying for guidance, and considering the probable consequences of different actions are also recommended.
