December 4, 2014

 The word conscience is rarely found in the bible.  Bible uses the word “heart” to mean conscience, except in epistles of Paul  Psalm 119 provides a good description of knowing the heart

 Assaults on human dignity in the form of Communism, Fascism, Nazism, capitalism, individualism and consumerism caused the Bishops to meet in Rome from  Names conscience as an essential element of humanity and tool for moral decision making.

 We are called to follow what we believe is right. (#1778)  Correct conscience makes decisions with input from groups and other individuals. (#16)  Man must be free to act with his conscience and he must not be forced to act against it (#1782)

 Overview of the Catholic Church's teachings about humanity's relationship to society  Special emphasis on economics, poverty, social justice, culture, science, technology and ecumenism.  Speaks of conscience in #16 and #17.

 Wrote the “Splendor of Truth” which deals with moral decision making.  He says conscience and Jesus are joined.  The individualist conscience disregards Jesus.  Magisterium provides moral guidance.

 Always strive for the truth  Look to Jesus as the source of truth  Recognizing that what is right and good is not always what we seem to want  Pursue information and guidance the best we can  Take seriously church teaching  Listen to past wisdom  Look toward possible consequences  Learn from others

 Are sensitive to others  Investigate personal motives, pressures, past patterns of behavior  Take positive steps  Look critically at the messages of our culture  Make moral judgment to the best of our ability  Remain open to the possibility that we may be mistaken in our moral judgment

 Example of a person who follows his conscience.  Was Chancellor of England.  Was asked by King Henry VIII to sign an oath declaring him head of the Church in England.  Refused to sign, was found guilty of treason and beheaded.  Many of his contemporaries signed.  He felt he could not face God if he did what was not right.

 Choose a movie in which a character faces a crisis of conscience. Describe the process the person goes through to make the decision. Discuss the issue of conscience in relation to our materials from class.  Movie must be “signed up” for, because each must be unique.