And yet...
Submitted by Ford Prefect on March 26 2000 21:54:50
In reply to too true (n/t) submitted by Rex Infinity on March 26 2000 18:31:13
|
....one of the best kept secrets of Catholic doctrine is that of the primacy of personal conscience. From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 1782 Man has the right to act in conscience and in freedom so as personally to make moral decisions. He must not be forced to act against his conscience. Nor must he be prevented from acting according to his conscience, especially in religious matters. 1785 In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path; we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice. We must also examine our conscience before the Lord's Cross. We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church. 1787 Man is sometimes confronted by situations that make moral judgments less assured and decision difficult. But he must always seek what is right and good and discern the will of God expressed in divine law. 1788 To this purpose, man strives to interpret the data of experience and the signs of the times assisted by the virtue of prudence, by the advice of competent people, and by the help of the Holy Spirit and his gifts. 1795 Conscience is man's most secret core, and his sanctuary. There he is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths. Unfortunately, authorities in the Church have been guilty of producing printed lists of "sins" for people to use in examining their conscience, thus subverting the entire process. ---Ford |
Follow ups: