MORAL DECISION MAKING MODEL BWM-THEME 4.2

So how did we get here... GOD

Can you recall the significance of each picture? Unit 4 Symbols

Let’s brainstorm together... Decision

Something to think about… How many decisions do you make each day?

As Ellen explains to us, life is full of decisions, but how do we know if it’s a moral one? ANSWER: If the issue of love of God, love of self or love of neighbour enters into our decision. In other words, when making a moral decision, if we must ask ourselves; “what is the loving thing to do?” then it’s a moral decision.

Is it a moral decision? LyingCheating StealingDisobeying Killing Brushing your teeth Deciding on a video game to play Crossing the street Choosing which shoes to wear Cutting your hair

THE STEPS TO TAKE TO MAKE A MORAL DECISION See Judge Act Evaluate

SEE We need to be able to recognize that a decision needs to be made. We must decide if it is a moral decision to be made. We must ask questions regarding whom the decision will affect. Finally, we must ask God to help us see the situation with loving eyes.

JUDGE Involves analyzing ALL the possible options and evaluating which options would be a truly loving choice. Involves calling upon our conscience, and considering what the Bible says, what the church teaches and what can be learned from the experience of committed Catholics. Judging involves listening carefully to the voice of God speaking in our hearts. We might want to think of this in terms of cause and effect. If I make this decision (the cause), the following will be a result (effect).

We can use the acronym LISTEN to help us “judge” the situation: Look for the facts Imagine possibilities Seek insight beyond your own (ask for help) Turn inward (Prayer, reflection, conscience) Expect God's help (Have faith) Name your decision

ACT Acting means deciding to do the loving thing and the doing it. We need to ask God to help us put our decisions into action.

EVALUATE Evaluating a decision means becoming aware of how that decision has affected our relationships with God, with ourselves and with others. How we evaluate our decisions now will shape the way we approach decisions in the future. Again, in this step, we are using a similar idea to cause and effect. We are looking at the effects of the decision we made when we “acted.” We are also reflecting upon whether or not we made the right decision.

Let’s put it all together…

Full House Moment Joey and Jesse are helping Danny Tanner raise his three daughters after the death of their mother. However, Joey and Jesse have now decided to take on a full-time job. If Joey and Jesse take on a full-time job, they will no longer be able to be there for their loved ones like they once were. Since their decision impacts their family, this decision was a moral decision. Task: While watching the clip, take note of which parts of the decision making model are evident and which ones are not.

Joey & Jesse’s Decision

Application See- Judge- Act- Take the full-time job Evaluate-

After evaluating their original decision, Joey and Jesse rethink their moral decision making process. Let’s outline the new steps together.

Step #1-______ What decision did Joey and Jesse have to make?

Step #2-__________________ Who do the guys have to take into consideration? What acronym could help the guys? Where could the guys turn to for help?

Step #3- _____________ What decision do you think the guys make in the end?

Did Jesse and Joey make the most loving decision? Step #4-_______________

Homework: Read “Caught in the Act” (Pages 81-85) Answer the reflection questions on page 85 (#’s 1-4)