Rachel Evans
Catholics have various perspectives on how to tell right from wrong, and these perspectives can depend on the specific issue in question. For instance, Catholics may consider the teachings of the Church and the Pope on issues such as divorce, remarriage, abortion, non-marital sex, homosexuality, and contraception. However, relatively few Catholics consider the Pope and bishops as the sole arbiters of right and wrong on these matters. Many Catholics believe that individuals are the proper source of moral authority, particularly on the question of non-marital sex. Catholics may also consider whether their actions align with their pursuit of good and whether they violate explicit moral laws.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Moral authority | Church leaders, individuals, or a combination of both |
| Moral progress | Possible, but society cannot be the measure of morality |
| Moral principles | Derived from the Church, but applied to day-to-day life |
| Moral relativism | Society is not the final arbiter of right and wrong |
| Moral decision-making | Individuals are best equipped to make moral decisions |
| Dating | With intention, and with shared beliefs |
| Emotional boundaries | Important for protecting emotional intimacy |
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What You'll Learn
Catholics don't always follow Church teachings on moral issues
The Church teaches that individuals must follow their conscience, even if it contradicts Church teachings. However, it also insists that Catholics have a moral obligation to ensure that their conscience is properly formed by studying and respecting the teachings of the Church. This means that Catholics should not simply reject Church teachings out of hand but should strive to understand and comply with them to the best of their ability.
If Catholics have questions or objections to certain teachings, they are encouraged to seek guidance from a pastor, confessor, or spiritual director. These individuals can help Catholics discern whether they understand the teachings correctly and how their objections affect their relationship with the faith community.
While the Church does not force anyone to believe what it teaches, Catholics who openly disagree with established dogmas or doctrines may be labelled as "liberal Catholics". This is because, doctrinally and morally, the Catholic Church is believed to be protected by the Holy Spirit and granted the gift of infallibility, which means that its teachings are to be obeyed.
In conclusion, while Catholics are expected to follow the Church's teachings on moral issues, it is not uncommon for individuals to struggle with certain aspects or make choices that contradict these teachings. The Church encourages Catholics to form their conscience by studying its teachings and then making decisions that align with their understanding of those teachings.
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Society doesn't determine right and wrong
The concept of morality being determined by society is known as "Society Says Relativism". According to this view, there is a consensus about what is considered right and wrong, and these moral principles exist beyond the individual. This idea has been supported by Professor Richard Dawkins, who states that "there is a consensus about what we do as a matter of fact consider right and wrong: a consensus that prevails surprisingly widely".
However, several arguments exist against the notion that society determines right and wrong. Firstly, throughout history, societies have instituted immoral laws, such as segregation. If society were the sole arbiter of morality, then it would be impossible to criticize these laws as immoral. This implies that societal norms are not always aligned with moral principles, and there must exist some standard of morality beyond society.
Secondly, the concept of moral progress implies that a society can be wrong and then change for the better. However, in "Society Says Relativism", a society cannot be wrong because it is the measure of morality. Therefore, true moral progress is incoherent under this framework. The fact that societies have progressed morally, such as by banning segregation laws, further supports the existence of a moral standard beyond society.
Thirdly, if morality is determined by society, it is reduced to "might makes right". Laws are often made by those with the most power, whether it be the government or the majority. This results in a tyrannical form of government, which is rejected by rational individuals.
Finally, the very existence of the question "How do we tell right from wrong?" indicates that individuals have a sense that there is indeed a right and a wrong, and they strive to pursue the good. While it can be challenging to discern right from wrong in specific situations, most people agree that we need some form of moral code to guide our actions.
In conclusion, while society may influence our understanding of morality, it does not solely determine what is right and wrong. Catholics believe that there are fundamental human values that transcend cultural and societal norms, and these values provide a basis for making ethical decisions. The Church has already articulated many of these moral principles, which individuals can apply to their day-to-day lives.
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The Church has already done the heavy work
When it comes to questions of morality, many Catholics are unsure about how to tell right from wrong. Some people believe that moral principles are derived from the society in which we live, and that there is a consensus about what we consider right and wrong. However, this view has been criticized, as it implies that societal norms are always moral and that societal progress is incoherent.
The Catholic Church teaches that there is an objective standard of morality that exists beyond society, and that society cannot be the final arbiter for right and wrong. This is where the Church comes in. The Church has already done much of the heavy work when it comes to understanding moral issues and principles. The Church's teachings provide a framework for Catholics to make sense of the world and their place in it, and to guide their actions and decisions.
While Catholics may not agree on who has the final say on matters of right and wrong, the Church's teachings are an important reference point. Catholics may look to the Pope and bishops for guidance, or they may make decisions based on their individual judgment, informed by the Church's teachings. This is especially true when it comes to complex and controversial issues such as divorce, remarriage, abortion, non-marital sex, homosexuality, and contraception.
In forming their conscience, Catholics study the Church's teachings on specific issues and then make decisions within the boundaries of explicit moral laws. This allows for flexibility in how to proceed in given situations. While the Church provides a moral framework, Catholics must apply these principles to their day-to-day lives and make their own choices. Ultimately, the Church's teachings are a guide, but the responsibility for moral decision-making lies with the individual.
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Catholics date with intention
Catholicism views dating as a discernment period between a man and a woman when the couple places God first in their relationship, turning to Him to seek whether they are called to the vocation of marriage together. The Catechism teaches that intention (from the Latin intendere, meaning "to stretch toward, to aim at") is an act of the will by which that faculty efficaciously desires to reach an end by employing means. In other words, intention is a concentration of the will to the point of resolve.
Courting, rather than dating, allows a couple to get to know each other without becoming emotionally and physically involved, which can lead to sexual immorality and make it difficult to leave an incompatible relationship. Catholics who date with intention are honest about their faith and their desire to find a partner who shares their values, even if this may scare off potential partners. They also take their time in relationships, refusing to rush into marriage without a clear plan for the future.
While dating with intention, Catholics must also remember that their primary goal is to be close to God, without mortal sin, and to die with sanctifying grace. This involves forming their conscience by studying what the Church teaches on certain issues and then making decisions that do not violate explicit moral laws.
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Catholics can tell other people they're wrong
For Catholics, the question of how to tell right from wrong is a complex one. While some Catholics may look to the Church and its leaders for moral authority, others may make decisions based on their individual judgment, or a combination of both. According to a survey, when it comes to issues like divorce and remarriage, abortion, non-marital sex, homosexuality, and contraception, many Catholics take the teachings of church leaders into account. However, relatively few Catholics consider the pope and bishops as the sole arbiters of right and wrong on these matters. The survey also revealed that the majority of Catholics believe that individuals are the proper source of moral authority when it comes to non-marital sex, and on issues like abortion and homosexuality, many Catholics believe that individuals are best equipped to make moral decisions.
Catholics can tell other people they are wrong, and this is supported by Scripture, where Jesus was not always gentle in His treatment of others. He could be verbally strong and toss over a table when necessary. This contradicts the common perception of Jesus as a gentle, peaceful figure. It is important to note that Catholics have been accused of remaining silent in the face of evil, particularly on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and contraception. This silence is seen as a failure to uphold moral standards and speak out against what they believe is wrong.
However, it is essential to approach this topic with caution. While Catholics may disagree with certain behaviours or beliefs, it is important to focus on what unites us with others, rather than our differences. It is also crucial to remember that moral progress is possible, and society's understanding of right and wrong can evolve. For example, the abolition of racial segregation laws demonstrates societal moral progress. Therefore, while Catholics can tell others they are wrong, it should be done with respect and an understanding that our own beliefs and understanding can also evolve.
In conclusion, Catholics can tell other people they are wrong, especially when it comes to issues that contradict their religious teachings and moral standards. However, it is a delicate balance, and it is important to approach these situations with humility and a willingness to listen and learn from others.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics look to various sources for moral authority, including church leaders like the Pope and bishops, as well as individual judgment, sometimes informed by church teachings. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines conscience as "a judgment of reason by which the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act".
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines virtue as "an habitual and firm disposition to do good". Theological virtues such as faith, hope, and charity (love) are gifts from God, while human virtues like compassion, responsibility, honesty, courage, and self-discipline are cultivated through practice.
Catholics may refer to the works of theologians like St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine to strengthen their faith. The existence of God, the reality of Jesus, and the veracity of the Church are supported by evidence, which individuals can research and evaluate for themselves.
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