Concept of Freedom

Question 1

What is Freedom?

Answer 1

• Freedom is the ability to weigh up possibilities, choose among them and act upon the choice, it is the desire to be free from something that oppresses
• Freedom is offered by Jesus Christ and full freedom is a gift from God

Question 2

What is Internal Freedom?

Answer 2

• To be free from factors from within us that inhabit out freedom of choice e.g. Anxiety, depression
  e. g. Addiction - If we are free from fear then we can excerise our ability to make good moral choices without apprehension of negative consequences

Question 3

What is External Freedom?

Answer 3

• To be free from factors outside ourselves that threaten or destroy our power to exercise choice for example we should be free from poverty
• The more external freedom we possess the greater range of choices we have to do the right moral act, contributing to our happiness

Question 4

What are the Features of Freedom?

Answer 4

1. Free Will
2. Conscience
3. Following the Laws of God

Question 5

What is Free Will?

Answer 5

• Free Will is REQUIRED FOR A PERSON TO POSESS MORAL RESPONSIBILITY and brings with it power and responsibility
• It is not the freedom to do what we want but the freedom to do what we should / what is right
• If a person voluntarily makes a free choice they are responsible for the choice they make
• An irresponsible act of free will detracts from the freedom os the sons of God and consequently stains his dignity
• Free is not always used for the good and can lead to sin
• Due to Original Sin “human nature is subject to error and inclined to evil” (CCC 1707)

Question 6

What is Conscience?

Answer 6

• An internal structure that assist and guides a person in making decisions directed towards God and the good of others
  “God created man a rational being, conferring on him the dignity of a person who can initiate and control his own actions” (CCC 1730)

Question 7

How do the Commandments and Beatitudes help us in our search for freedom?

Answer 7

• One can only find true freedom and happiness through God, a strong close relationship with God allows us to achieve full freedom and happiness
• The 10 commandments and beatitudes make this possible
• Following the 10 commandments and the beatitudes we are prevented from sinning and making wrong choices
• Thus if we follow these teachings then we will be set free from sin and blinded we the view of what is morally right, allowing us to make good moral choices which along with Gods teachings, ultimately drawing us closer to God and strengthening our relationship
• Help us to have a harmonious relationship between God, ourselves and others

Question 8

What is the Christian Perspective view on Freedom?

Answer 8

• Believe in the concept of the CONSCIENCE that deep inside everyone is a law that summons one to love God and avoid evil and by having freedom you are free to listen to your conscience
• Humans possess FREE WILL
• Follow Christ and direct ourselves towards goodness
• Jesus is the true SOURCE of freedom as he is free rom human weakness

Question 9

What is the Secular Perspective view on Freedom?

Answer 9

• Freedom is important to human kind as it gives them a sort of dignity and the power to do whatever they wan
• Free from restrictions such as: freedom of speech, religious freedom, personal freedom, political freedom
• Without freedom you wouldn’t be able to have control over your body and mind
• Conscience is often sacrificed for the concept of democracy

Question 10

What are the similarities between Christian and Secular views on Freedom?

Answer 10

• Freedom in both perspectives lead to happiness

- Give us the power to chose what the individual wants

Question 11

What factors impact on Freedom?

Answer 11

1. Consumerism - Erodes true freedom
   - People become overly consumed with material possessions, and begin to buy their happiness neglecting spirituality
   - Freedom is destroyed when consumerism because our priority, it encourages an unhealthy way of life which goes against the Catholicism view of true freedom
   - Consumerism makes humans more selfish and inconsiderate of others

Question 12

What structure helps in the search for freedom?

Answer 12

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Question 13

What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Answer 13

• The Sacrament of Reconciliation FULLY RESTORES a persons relationship with God which has been damaged by sin
• It is a gift of the Grace of God that absolves Sin and helps a person achieve true freedom by growing closer to God
• It is an internal conversion, acknowledgement of sin and change of behaviour
• Involves three main processes: contrition, confession, satisfaction, absolution

Question 14

What does Sacrament of Reconciliation involve?

Answer 14

1. Contrition
2. Confession
3. Satisfaction
4. Absolution

Question 15

What is the process of Reconciliation?

Answer 15

1. Contrition - a call to acknowledge sin, by being sorry and examining conscience
2. Confession - an acknowledgement of wrongdoing by confessing sins to a priest
3. Satisfaction - making the act of contribution, by saying the prayer of sorrow and being genuinely sorry for sinning
4. Absolution - forgivness, God forgives through the priest, absolution cleanse sin, restores peace and relationship with God and strengthens weakness caused by sin

Question 16

How does the Sacrament of Reconciliation relate to Freedom?

Answer 16

• Grace received helps transformation and helps to attain freedom
• Grace gives strength to overcome temptation
• Gives the strength to listen and follow conscience and thus make the right choices
• Allows one to become more close to God and therefore become more free
• The cleansing of sin frees a person from Sin
• Forgiveness and absolution strengthens the weakness caused by Sin
• Penance repairs the damage done to the relationship with God and others