1. Law as a Guide to Freedom Does this make sense?

2. Chapter Overview What is it? Role of passions Moral norms Law: moral, natural, civil, old and new covenants Precepts of the church

3. Freedom & Responsibility Because we are made in the image of God, we have the capacity to think and choose. Remember the definition for self- determination: We are the MASTERS of our own actions. This may seem like common sense but not all people believe this.

4. Determinists Determinists deny that humans have the power to choose. Some religions teach that fate, astrology and other spiritual type forces preordains and controls our choices (i.e. God, the devil) Some sociologists believe that all are choices are dictated by the way we grow up. Some biologist believe that all are choices are fixed by our genes. The church teaches that we are self- determining, that is, we choose what we want to do.

5. What is Freedom? Selecting our own goals in life and then moving towards them. We should go after what is good, what fulfills our needs, what satisfies out hearts. Choosing to do good leads to more freedom in life where choosing to do evil leads to slavery and bondage. Ex’s Sexual choices, addictions… William Wallace

6. Two Types of Freedom: External and Internal Freedom External freedom Freedom from factors outside of ourselves that threaten our power of choice Ex.’s Poverty – starvation doesn’t allow you to get an education Tyranny – can’t vote or worship freely because of dictatorship Internal Freedom Freedom from interior factors that limit choice Ex’s Fear – a fear of flying may prohibit you from visiting certain places Addiction – to alcohol can hinder you keeping a job or going deeper in your relationships

7. William Wallace Wallace says, “They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom.” What kind of freedom is Wallace talking about? Is Wallace’s view of freedom determinist or not? How?

8. Freedom: Wallace picture

9. True Freedom True Freedom liberates us to develop our God-given talents so we can live our lives for others and for our loving God. It is not to do whatever you want because that can sometimes lead to slavery and harm to others It elevates humans; it never demeans Think about the “pro-choice” movement This is a misnomer.

10. Emotions and Morality Ephesians 4:26 says “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger” Anger is our BS meter It is a good thing as long as we use it in the right way Story about my friend pushing a friend of mine. Other emotions: sadness, fear

11. Beliefs and Values Beliefs – expressions of our faith Values – standards or qualities that we deem worthwhile Ex. Our belief in Jesus’ core teaching on compassion makes us value qualities like mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and empathy

12. Principles and Norms Principles are positive guidelines for living out our values. Ex. The value of compassion leads us to principle of looking out for the needs of the poor (food, shelter, clothing, education) Norms or laws translate our beliefs, values, and principles into concrete policies or courses of action. Ex. We believe in marriage, value marital fidelity, have a principle of communication with your spouse about troubles, norms or laws of not committing adultery or lust for another’s spouse

13. Simple Rules We Were Taught as Kids Never ride with… If you make a mess… Look both ways before… If it ain’t broke… More?

14. Law and Morality

15. Law and Morality: Four Components 1. Laws are reasonable 2. Laws are for the common good – ex. A fair income tax law helps provide for human services like police protection, education, and affordable housing for the poor 3. Competent authority – civil and church leaders derive their authority to make and enforce laws from God 4. Laws must be promulgated or announced in such a ways that people can be expected to know it (written or announced)

16. Four Expressions of Moral Law 1. Natural Law 2. Civil Law 3. Revealed Law 4. Church Law **All four our based on premise that we have good judgment within us which will always lead us to the truth but that we sometimes need help from God

17. Natural and Civil Laws Natural Law The light of understanding God has placed in us. It is the foundation of both civil and moral rules. It applies to all peoples in all places for all time. Ex. Killing innocent human beings or rape is always wrong Civil laws The application of the natural law for members of a given society The moral laws in the OT and NT contains the major points of natural law.

18. Revealed law The Old Law The Ten Commandments express the many truths concerning the natural law that human reason can discover on its own The New Law The Gospel of Jesus Christ, or the law of Love which is summarized in Loving God, neighbour, self It doesn’t add new rules but rather questions our motives It gets to the heart

19. The heart of the Law is asking… WWJD? Jesus is our example Jesus is the root of all Christian morality Jesus is our moral guide Jesus’ code of ethics can be found in a set of teachings known as the Beatitudes We will now look at the Beatitudes

20. Church Laws: Applications of the Revealed Laws 1. Attending Mass Sundays and other holy days 2. Confessing our sins 3. Receiving Holy Communion during Easter 4. Observing days of fasting and abstinence 5. Providing for the needs of all God’s people