BASIS OF MORALITY Flashcards
What is Law: Basis of Morality?
Living a moral life by “choosing good” unites us with God’s will and gives us true taste of happiness.
Why do we need moral laws?
We need moral laws because they provide us criteria for judging, help us in moral development, provide stability and consistency, and correct us by illuminating our faults.
What is law?
“Law is an ordinance of reason, promulgated by competent authority for the sake of common good”
What are the two basis of law based on CFC 802?
- Law is based on vision, certain presuppositions, which are portrayed in the BEATITUDES.
- Law arises from and expresses basic values. This is clearly exemplified in the ten commandments.
What are the Characteristics of law?
- Law is reasonable decision - prudent and with purpose not capricious whim;
- Promulgated-communicated with sufficient notice to its subject while respecting their rights and dignity.
- By a competent authority - i.e by those who have legitimate power to do so;
- For the common good - for the social betterment of its subjects.
What are the four categories of law?
- Natural Law
- Civil law
- Divine law
- Church law
What is natural law?
Natural law refers to the laws that are found in the nature of life and therefore, all people are aware of it. Mostly uses reason and logic.
What is divine law?
Divine law is a law we receive from God through revelations.
THREE PERIODS:
1. Those laws received by the Jewish people before Moses
2. The Ten commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai
3. The laws given to us by Christ.
What is civil law?
Civil law is particular applications of natural law, promulgated by civil authorities to protect and promote good. These are written laws.
What is the Church law?
Church law is an expression of God’s law as it is applied to our Christian life.
Mankind gives special obedience to the message of Christ.
Another statement about law.
Laws don’t contradict our freedom because we need them to put limits to our freedom. Laws give shape to our freedom by imposing boundaries.
What is the law of love?
The greatest commandment in the law of love is to love God and others.
What does Christ reveal to us with the law of love?
1.) He made known to us the distinct yet inseparable love for God and love for neighbor.
2.) By heart, soul and mind, we are to love God and others with our whole self.
3.) Neighbor includes all including our enemies.
4.) Christ brings out every meaning of each law – LOVE.
What are the ways to love others?
1.) Corporal acts of Mercy
2.) Spiritual works of Mercy
What are the Corporal acts of Mercy?
- feed the hungry
- give drink to the thirsty
- Clothe the naked
- Shelter the homeless
- Visit those in prison
- Visit the sick and bury the dead
