Theology Chapter 2 Study Guide

Love

If love is required, it is no longer free Giving love can be difficult - requires overcoming laziness, selfishness, lust, etc.

The Moral Act

True freedom is not doing whatever we want but doing what you ought Good moral actions make us freer; bad moral actions make us slaves to sin Every human being is responsible for their actions

Freedom & Responsibility

The more knowledge someone has, the more responsible they are There is no such thing as freedom w/o responsibility The origin of moral evil is the free decision to reject God's moral law

Focus Questions

Grace does NOT diminish freedom - helps us to see truth/gives us strength to conquer passions Effects of graces: Enlightened about how to follow Christ, strength to fulfill God's plan By obeying prompting of grace, we align w/ God's will & grow in inner freedom

"We must continually seek God's grace, continually respond to the actual graces God is working within us, inclining us to turn to him and do good."

Conscience

Reality of it is witnessed in Sacred Scriptures and through human experiences We have a right and duty to exercise our conscience A good conscience applies moral truth, but is not an infallible guide - can be ignored or blinded

How is it formed?

Frequent/honest self evaluation Reconciliation When it is ignored, we become numb to wrongdoing Fullness of conscience involves awareness that every Christian is called through Baptism to become a saint

Questions

2 elements of sincere repentance = contrition and amendment We need to be faithful/true to ourselves (and not do the same sin repeatedly) Spiritual direction is wise counsel/advice on spiritual matters

Moral Acts

Involves deliberation and choice Have moral content Personal acts - involve intellect and will Never leave us exactly the same (change us)

The Prodigal Son

Father represents God; Sons represent people Shows: God is merciful/ready to forgive; asking for forgiveness can be hard