Personal and Ethical decision making

Question 1

Scripture

Answer 1

Catholics believe Scripture, or the Bible, is the inspired Word of
God and is therefore infallible, it is never wrong. This means We
can find definite answers to our ethical dilemmas.
Scripture contains stories from the life of Jesus; we can use his life as an example for us to follow.
Scripture is unchanging; it remains a constant in our world
which means we can trust its guidance.

Question 2

Natural law

Answer 2

Natural law is the belief that all moral law can be discovered by man, it applies to all humans and can never be changed.
Thomas Aquinas taught that humans should ‘do good and avoid
evil. This is in line with our purpose as humans and is supported
by the Catholic Church.
By following Natural Law we develop 2 types of virtues, cardinal
virtues such as self-control and theological virtues such as faith,
These then further develop who we are as individuals for the
better.

Question 3

Magisterium

Answer 3

The Magisterium is the teaching body of the Church. It can help us
to make an ethical decision because it is made up of the Pope and
Bishops who use their gifts to advise us on how to live our lives.
The Magisterium gives teaching relevant for Catholics in the 21st
century. They are contained in
the Catechism for all Catholics to
access.
The Magisterium is guided by the Holy Spirit so it cannot be
wrong in its teachings.

Question 4

Conscience

Answer 4

Catholics have a duty or obligation to follow their conscience.
In St Paul’s letter to Timothy he said having a clear conscience is
something to aspire to.
The Catholic Church teaches ‘The Primacy of Conscience’, this is the
idea that God’s voice lies in your soul and it is a sin not to listen to it.
Our conscience is developed by our parents and families from we are
young children, it is a voice inside us telling us right from wrong.