1. What is Conscience? And Sources of Conscience
Definition of Conscience: It is a Latin based word meaning “with knowledge.”
Conscience is scared because God speaks to you.
Conscience is a particular judgment of reason made by the intellect regarding the good or evil of a particular act, in light of objective moral standards.
Every prudent man heart God speaking when he listens to his conscience.
Conscience is not a theoretical but a practical judgment.
1. VERITAS Splendor
2. The effects of Baptism on conscience
3. Gifts of the Spirit:
Wisdom
Enjoying the presence of God, Gives us knowledge of divine mysteries, like trinity. Helps us understand mystery of faith.
Understanding
Discerning divine truth. Enhances our perception of those mysteries.
Counsel
Making wise decisions. Perfects virtue of prudence (knowing when to do something and when not to. Being able to know what is best in a certain situation.)
Fortitude
Having strength of character. Makes us steadfast in out faith. Gives us strength and courage.
Knowledge
Using created things wisely as God wants us to use them. Your mind and gifts.
Piety
Love relationship with God. Knowing and loving God and others around us.
Fear of the Lord
Wanting to serve him and being faithful to him. Helps us to be aware of sins and how it separated us from God.
2. Nature and Formation of the Conscience
We have a duty and a right to exercise our moral conscience.
A good conscience applies moral truth; it does not create it.
3. How to Develop a Well-Formed Conscience
Ways to develop a well-formed conscience
Learn bout the moral teachings of the Church
Pray
Frequent the sacrament of Reconciliation
2 elements of sincere repentance
Contrition
Purpose of amendment
4. Principles of Conscience and the Malformed Conscience
Your conscience can be malformed
Cultural trends often oppose moral truth
Repeated errors can become habits
We should be prepared to explain and defend the moral law.
Concept Questions
1. What is conscience?
2. What does Veritas Splendor mean by saying the conscience is the only witness of what takes place in the human heart?
3. What is the effects of Baptism on conscience?
4. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
5. Why can every prudent man hear God speaking when he listens to his conscience?
6. What are the basics of knowing the moral law of Christ?
7. How can we develop a well-formed conscience?
8. What is our first obligation towards others and ourselves in regard to the moral law?
9. What are two elements of sincere repentance?
10. Why is there little point of acknowledging our sins if we do not intend to eliminate them from our lives?