Christian Moral Principles

Question 1

Sola Scriptura

Answer 1

Using Bible alone

Question 2

Prima Scriptura

Answer 2

Using other sources as well as the Bible

Question 3

Theonomous

Answer 3

God as a source

Question 4

Heteronomous

Answer 4

Several sources

Question 5

Roman Catholic sources

Answer 5

• Natural Law
• Reason
• Magisterium
• Bible
• Conscience

Question 6

Protestant sources:

Answer 6

• Bible
• Reason
• Conscience
• Church tradition
• Christian community

Question 7

St Paul quotation?

Answer 7

‘Law written on their hearts’ – St. Paul, Roman 2:15

Question 8

What does St Paul say to the Romans?

Answer 8

St. Paul in his letter to the Romans stated that even the Gentiles can behave morally and act according to their conscience and the law

Question 9

What does Aquinas talk about?

Answer 9

Natural Law

Question 10

Who is mortality informed by?

Answer 10

For the Catholic Church, morality is informed by the wisdom of the Church and the teachings of its leaders

Question 11

What is the mortality wisdom known as?

Answer 11

This is known as Sacred Tradition and guides Catholics by interpreting Sacred Scripture (the Bible) for the present day

Question 12

How is the wisdom collected?

Answer 12

This wisdom is collected in Papal encyclicals on contemporary moral issues = letters/documents contain the Pope’s views on issues = Church teachings/doctrine and is addressed to Catholic clergy

Question 13

What does the Magisterium have?

Answer 13

The Magisterium has divine authority – because the bishops have the authority of the apostles

Question 14

Where are the teachings of the Church summarised?

Answer 14

The teaching of the Church is summarised in the Catechism of the Catholic Church e.g., Veritatis Splendor declares Moral Law is knowable to all through reason and conscience, however, humans are sinful, so the Church should guide individuals