Introduction to Morality

1. Introduction to Morality Our Moral Life in Christ Chapter 1 Overview

2. Morality in the World Morality affects all aspects of our lives: personal, political, legal, philosophical, religious. It is a controversial subject and often leads to heated debate (Ex. : abortion)

3. Christian Morality Christians believe in an objective morality: one that is rooted in the fundamental dignity of the human person and the sacredness of human life. This is in opposition to subjective morality: one that can vary from situation to situation and from one personal opinion to another. This is called moral relativism.

4. Christian Morality Often Christianity is viewed as being too strict and obsessed with rules. Although morality is a part of being a Christian, Christianity is primarily a message of salvation and holiness and simply following rules will not lead us to salvation or holiness. The moral law helps us distinguish between good and evil and thus live a more perfect Christian life.

5. What the Moral Law is Not Moral law is not only about human sexuality. Moral law is not just about rules, but about happiness. Moral law is not just about precepts. Morality does not mean being “moralistic.”

6. What the Moral Law Is • Moral law is a demand of our Faith. • Although Christianity involves much more than the observance of moral law, living according to the moral law is a requirement of the Christian life. The moral law helps guide us in our effort to be like Christ, please God, and obtain salvation.

7. What the Moral Law Is • Moral law is guided by the Cardinal Virtues: • Prudence • Enables us to choose the right course of action. • Justice • Enables us to render what is due to God and neighbor. • Fortitude • Enables us to perform good actions amid obstacles and difficulties. • Temperance • Enables us to control our passions in order to maintain a clear mind and strong will.

8. What the Moral Law Is The Cardinal virtues are the foundations of all other virtues. A good way to think of them is like the primary colors. You can form any color from red, blue, or yellow just as you can trace any virtue back to prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

9. What the Moral Law Is • More important than the Cardinal virtues are the Theological virtues, which were given to us at our Baptism: • Faith • The virtue of belief • Hope • The virtue of trust • Love (Charity) • The virtue by which we love God above all things, and our neighbors as ourselves.

10. What the Moral Law Is • Moral law provides a way to true happiness. • This may seem like a cliché, but the moral law allows us to draw closer to Christ and see God in all things. • The moral life also leads us to knowledge of the inner life of God and his plans for us. • By being faithful and drawing closer to God, God’s grace allows us to have a greater knowledge and understanding of Himself

11. What the Moral Law Is • Moral Law is based on the Divine Wisdom of God • That is, the moral law is not man’s creation. Rather, moral standards are inscribed on the heart of every human by God Himself.