Law as a Guide to Freedom Chapter 3 Law as a Guide to Freedom

Freedom and Responsibility Humans have the capacity to think and to choose. Humans have the capacity to love. To possess freedom means to be responsible for our choices and actions, either good or evil.

Characteristics of Freedom There are those who believe in determinism – that humans do not really choose, but that every event, action, and decision is a result of forces outside of ourselves – such as the stars, environment, chemical imbalance, society, upbringing, education etc. The Church rejects this kind of strict determinism.

Kinds of Freedom: External and Internal External Freedom – being free from outside factors that threaten our ability to choose – i.e. poverty and oppression. Internal Freedom – being free from interior factors that limits our ability to choose – i.e. fear, addiction True freedom frees us to develop our God given gifts and talents in a responsible way so that we can choose good, avoid evil, serve others, and love God.

Limits of Freedom Freedom is not about “doing what I want to do.” Freedom is not license. True freedom elevates our humanity, not demean.

Abuses Against Freedom There are limits to human freedom – physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Impediments to freedom – these can limit our level of responsibility: Ignorance Inadvertence Duress Inordinate attachments Fear Habit These impediments do not have to enslave us, we can overcome them by cultivating good habits and virtues, and above all prayer and God’s grace.

Responsibility Our actions also have consequences – good and bad. By owning up to our mistakes we grow and learn from them. We must accept full responsibility for the sinful behaviors we voluntarily, freely, and willfully commit. Some actions are not totally voluntary (such as negligence or ignorance). Mature Christians use self-discipline and virtue.

Emotions and MORALITY Emotions are morally neutral – but depending on how we engage our emotions, can determine whether they lead us to something good or bad. What we do with our feelings in important. As Christians, our emotions should be channeled to something good or positive actions.

Law and Morality A good law can help keep us focus; it protects us from doing our own thing regardless of consequences. Law provides us with an objective standard or measure. It warns us of pitfalls and consequences.

The laws of morality are rooted in God’s law as revealed to us in Scriptures and Tradition. St Thomas Aquinas identified four types of laws – Eternal Law, Natural Law, Revealed Law, Civil and Church Law.

Four Types of Laws St. Thomas defined Law as – “an ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the one in charge of the community” (CCC, 1976). Law is reasonable – it makes sense and it’s fair Law is for the common good – it’s to build up each other and care for the human community Law comes from competent authority – appointed authorities can make and enforce laws. Law must be promulgated – it must be made known and advertised.

Natural Law Divine Law is highest for of law. It’s source is from God. Natural Law is our participation on Divine Law. NL teaches us what to do and what to avoid -- a basic understanding of right and wrong.

NL is implanted in our hearts NL is implanted in our hearts. It is universal and unchanging for all people at all times It is the foundation and basis for civil laws and moral rules. Weakened nature can make it difficult to discern natural law. Scriptures and Tradition can help fill this gap.

Civil law A specific application of the natural law according to their customs and circumstances. Not all civil laws are good laws. Laws have been passed that violate the dignity of humans A civil law is only morally good insofar as they conform to natural law and divine law. We are not required to obey unjust or evil civil laws, and we have the duty to do all we can to change it.

Church Law Church Law (i.e. Canon Law) is an application of Divine Law – to assist us in living our moral life. Catholics are minimally required to meet the obligations of the precepts of the Church: Attend Mass on Sundays Confess sins at least once a year Receive Holy Communion at least once a year Keep holy the holydays of obligation Observe the required days of fasting and abstinence. Provide for the material needs of the Church, according to your ability.