Test Review #2 Christian Ethics & Morality

Natural law ethics

moral principles are derived from human nature and can be known through reason

First precept of natural law

"good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided."

Basic goods

goods that are necessary for human flourishing, knowledge, procreation, community, and worship

Prudence

enables individuals to make practical and wise decisions

Discernment

The process of carefully considering and evaluating moral choices in order to make the right decision.

4 sources of Christian ethics/Catholic morality

scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.

Culture

The social and cultural context in which moral decisions are made, which can influence ethical beliefs and practices.

Relativism

The belief that moral principles are subjective and vary from person to person or culture to culture.

Theological virtues

faith, hope, and love enable individuals to live in a relationship with God and others.

Cardinal virtues

prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance enable individuals to live morally upright lives.

Biblical vision of the human person

The understanding of human nature and dignity as revealed in the Bible, including the belief that humans are created in the image of God

Human dignity

The inherent worth and value of every human being, based on the belief that humans are created in the image of God.

Incarnation

The belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ, affirming the dignity and value of human nature.

Vatican II's approach to understanding sin

personal and social dimensions of sin, as well as the call to conversion and reconciliation.

Legalism

strict adherence to rules and regulations, often neglecting the underlying principles and values.

Conversion/metanoia

The process of turning away from sin and turning towards God, involving a change of heart, mind, and behavior.

Discernment approach

relies on reality as a basis for morality (depends on the circumstance) (three font principle)

three font principle

-action itself

-the intention

-circumstance (total situation and total reality)

beatitudes

recounted by Jesus in the sermon on the mount; his ideal values and disciplines of mercy, compassion, and blessedness