Personal and Ethical Decision Making

Question 1

What is the authoritative source for moral teaching in Christianity?

Answer 1

The example and teaching of Jesus as the authoritative source for moral teaching.

Question 2

How do Christians view Jesus in relation to the Law?

Answer 2

Jesus is seen as the fulfilment of the Law, completing and making it whole.

Question 3

What did Jesus say about the Law in Matthew 5:17?

Answer 3

Jesus stated that he did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfil them.

Question 4

What does Matthew 5:18 emphasize about the Law?

Answer 4

It emphasizes that not even the smallest letter or stroke of a pen will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Question 5

What will happen to those who set aside the commands of the Law according to Matthew 5:19?

Answer 5

They will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.

Question 6

What is required for entry into the kingdom of heaven as per Matthew 5:20?

Answer 6

Your righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.

Question 7

What is the significance of virtue and conscience in Christian decision making?

Answer 7

Virtue and the primacy of conscience are important sources of authority for Christians today.

Question 8

What are the divergent implications of sources of authority for Christians?

Answer 8

There are divergent understandings of the place and authority of natural law among Christians.

Question 9

How does Jesus fulfil the law?

Answer 9

The first way in which Jesus fulfils the law is through his teachings. He develops the law so that people can more clearly see the life God wishes them to live. For example, the Old Testament says a person should not commit adultery, whereas Jesus says people should not even think impure thoughts.

This reveals to us the full wishes of God and so fulfils the law.

Question 10

What is the second way Jesus fulfils the law?

Answer 10

The second way in which Jesus fulfils the law of God is by his own life. Christians believe that Jesus was able to keep all the commandments and laws of God, serving as an example for how to live as God wishes us to.

His actions demonstrate the fulfilment of the law.

Question 11

What is the Golden Rule?

Answer 11

The Golden Rule is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

This principle emphasizes treating others with the same respect and kindness you wish to receive.

Question 12

What example did Jesus set for Christians regarding love?

Answer 12

Jesus taught love for others through his commandment in the Gospel of John to “love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” He exemplified this love throughout his life by caring for the ill, the poor, and the vulnerable.

Jesus’ actions serve as a model for Christians.

Question 13

When did Jesus teach the Golden Rule?

Answer 13

Jesus taught the Golden Rule during The Sermon on the Mount when he said, “…do to others what you would have them do to you.”

This teaching encourages us to treat others how we would like to be treated.

Question 14

What did Peter ask Jesus about forgiveness?

Answer 14

Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive someone, suggesting ‘seven times’.

Question 15

How did Jesus respond to Peter’s question about forgiveness?

Answer 15

Jesus told Peter he should forgive ‘Seventy times seven’, indicating that forgiveness should be unlimited.

Question 16

What is the significance of forgiveness in Christianity?

Answer 16

Jesus taught that one must be willing to forgive others to receive forgiveness from God.

Question 17

What example did Jesus set regarding servanthood?

Answer 17

At the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, demonstrating the importance of serving others.

Question 18

How is Jesus referred to in relation to servanthood?

Answer 18

Jesus is often referred to as ‘The Servant King’ by Christians.

Question 19

What did Jesus say about his purpose?

Answer 19

Jesus said, ‘the son of man came to serve not to be served and to give his life for the ransom of many’.

Question 20

What does Jesus’ servanthood teach us?

Answer 20

It teaches that if Jesus, as God, was willing to serve, we too must be willing to serve each other.

Question 21

What does justice mean?

Answer 21

Justice means fairness.

Question 22

What does social justice mean?

Answer 22

Social Justice means everyone in society being treated fairly.

Question 23

Which Bible passage emphasizes the importance of helping those in need?

Answer 23

Matthew 25:37-40 highlights the importance of helping those in need.

Question 24

What lesson does the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus teach?

Answer 24

The Parable teaches that ignoring the needs of others can lead to negative consequences, emphasizing the importance of social justice.

Question 25

What is a sin according to Jesus' teachings on social justice?

Answer 25

It is a sin not only to do wrong, but also to fail to do the right thing.

Question 26

Why is Jesus important as a moral authority?

Answer 26

Catholics believe Jesus is God incarnate, and through his teachings, we can see what God wishes us to do when confronted with a moral decision. As God, Jesus cannot be wrong in his guidance.

Question 27

What do Catholics believe about Jesus and God's law?

Answer 27

Catholics believe Jesus was the fulfilment of God's law, meaning he fully lived as God wishes humans to live. By following his example and teachings, we can be sure to do the right thing in moral decisions.

Question 28

Why may there be problems with using Jesus as the sole moral authority?

Answer 28

Catholics do not believe Jesus' teachings should be the only moral authority, as there are modern issues, like genetic engineering, that Jesus does not mention directly.

Question 29

What role does the Church play in moral guidance for Catholics?

Answer 29

Catholics believe Jesus gave the Church the authority to provide guidance on modern issues, meaning Jesus is not the only moral authority used by Catholics.

Question 30

What is a limitation of Jesus' teachings in moral decision-making?

Answer 30

Even if Jesus teaches on an issue, we might not understand the point of his teaching without interpretation and explanation from the Church.

Question 31

What is Natural Law according to the Catholic Church?

Answer 31

Natural Law is the belief that there is an absolute moral law that applies to all people at all times and in all places.

Question 32

Who promoted the idea of Natural Law?

Answer 32

St Thomas Aquinas promoted the idea of Natural Law.

Question 33

How can universal moral laws be discovered?

Answer 33

Universal moral laws can be discovered through good reason, observation, and reflection.

Question 34

What is a well-known application of Natural Law in the Church's teaching?

Answer 34

The Church's teachings on sex are a well-known application of Natural Law.

Question 35

What does the Church say is the purpose of sex?

Answer 35

The purpose of sex is to have children.

Question 36

What did St Augustine say about Natural Law?

Answer 36

St Augustine stated that the natural law is the light of understanding placed in us by God, guiding us on what to do and avoid.

Question 37

What does the Catechism teach about man's obligation?

Answer 37

The Catechism teaches that man is obliged to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right, which is found in his heart as the natural law.

Question 38

What is natural law?

Answer 38

Natural law is the basis of ethical thinking in the Catholic Christian tradition, stemming from Aristotle and expressed by St. Thomas Aquinas.

Question 39

Why is natural law important to Catholics?

Answer 39

Catholics believe natural law has been established by God through the way he created the world, making it important and necessary to follow.

Question 40

How is natural law accessible to everyone?

Answer 40

Natural law is accessible and understandable to everyone; with guidance and right reason, all people can access it, similar to understanding gravity.

Question 41

Is natural law universal?

Answer 41

Yes, natural law is universal and applies to all cultures, races, and classes of people.

Question 42

What does the Catechism teach about natural law?

Answer 42

The Catechism teaches that while natural law is useful, it can sometimes be insufficient to understand what God wants, necessitating the Bible and Church for guidance.

Question 43

What do some Protestant Christians believe about morality?

Answer 43

Some Protestant Christians believe that all morality comes from God and reject the idea that human beings can determine right and wrong on their own.

Question 44

Why do some Protestants reject human reason in moral decision-making?

Answer 44

They believe that the sinfulness of human beings means they cannot use their own reason clearly.

Question 45

Where do Protestants believe Christian morality comes from?

Answer 45

Christian morality comes from what God has revealed in the Bible and, for some, how this is interpreted by Church leaders.

Question 46

What is the Catholic response to the idea of natural law?

Answer 46

The Catholic response is that sin has affected our will but not our intellect; we can still know what is right and wrong.

Question 47

What does the story of the Fall signify in Catholic teaching?

Answer 47

The story of the Fall signifies that human beings are different from animals because they have knowledge of right and wrong.

Question 48

What struggle do humans face according to Catholic teaching?

Answer 48

Humans struggle to do the right thing but know what the right thing is.

Question 49

What do Catholics believe about relying on natural law?

Answer 49

Catholics believe that we cannot rely on natural law alone and still need the Bible and Church to guide us.

Question 50

What does the Catholic Church believe about moral law?

Answer 50

The Catholic Church believes that God has placed the moral law within every person.

Question 51

What is conscience?

Answer 51

Conscience is the little voice in our head that tells us whether an action is right or wrong.

Question 52

What does the Catechism say about conscience?

Answer 52

'Deep within his conscience man discovers a law which he has not laid upon himself but which he must obey. Its voice, ever calling to him to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil, sounds in his heart at the right moment.' ## Footnote This quote emphasizes the inherent moral law inscribed by God in every person.

Question 53

How is being made 'in the image of God' related to conscience?

Answer 53

This internal knowledge of right and wrong is part of being made 'in the image of God' (Genesis).

Question 54

What informs our conscience?

Answer 54

Our conscience is informed by teachings from the Bible, the Church, and guidance from parents, teachers, and other adults with the right morals.

Question 55

What is the duty of individuals regarding their conscience?

Answer 55

Individuals have a duty to learn what is right and wrong to ensure their conscience leads them in the right direction.

Question 56

What happens when conscience is followed and Church commandments are upheld?

Answer 56

Good habits form, known as virtues, which are ingrained good habits.

Question 57

How do virtues relate to conscience?

Answer 57

If a person has the right virtues, their conscience is likely to guide them to the right answer when confronted with a moral decision according to the Church.

Question 58

What is the role of conscience in Catholicism?

Answer 58

Conscience is seen as a way that God speaks to us directly and serves as a moral authority.

Question 59

Why do Catholics believe in using conscience as a moral authority?

Answer 59

Catholics believe in using conscience because it provides quick responses to moral questions and is supported by teachings from Saints like St Paul and St Thomas Aquinas.

Question 60

What do St Paul and St Thomas Aquinas teach about conscience?

Answer 60

They taught that conscience should be used when making moral decisions.

Question 61

What is a common argument against using conscience as the only moral authority?

Answer 61

A common argument is that a person's conscience can be wrong, as some have committed evil acts while believing they were following their conscience.

Question 62

What is necessary for using conscience effectively?

Answer 62

We must fully understand an issue, which is not always possible, especially with complicated moral issues.

Question 63

How should Catholics approach moral decision making?

Answer 63

Catholics believe that conscience is important but should be informed and used alongside the teachings of the Bible and Church.

Question 64

What do most Christians agree on regarding moral decisions?

Answer 64

Most Christians agree that using Jesus as a role model and conscience are good ways to make moral decisions.

Question 65

What is a common moral dilemma discussed among Christians?

Answer 65

A common moral dilemma is abortion.

Question 66

How do some Christians interpret Jesus' teachings regarding abortion?

Answer 66

Some Christians argue that terminating a pregnancy might be the most loving thing to do in certain circumstances, such as in cases of rape.

Question 67

What is the Catholic perspective on abortion based on Jesus' teachings?

Answer 67

Catholics argue that Jesus' teachings demonstrate the value of each human life, including unborn babies, making abortion unacceptable.

Question 68

What does the Catholic Church say about natural law in relation to abortion?

Answer 68

The Catholic Church argues that life begins at conception and should be allowed to develop naturally into a person.

Question 69

How do some Christians reconcile their conscience with the idea of abortion in cases of rape?

Answer 69

Some Christians may not feel guilty about allowing an abortion in cases of rape, seeing it as acceptable under certain circumstances.

Question 70

How do Catholics feel about their conscience in relation to abortion?

Answer 70

Catholics may struggle with their conscience regarding abortion, viewing it as the ending of innocent life, which guides them against it.

Question 71

What is Jesus' teaching regarding stealing?

Answer 71

Jesus followed the ten commandments perfectly, which includes 'thou shall not steal'. Therefore, some Christians argue it is not possible for a Christian to steal morally.

Question 72

How do some Christians justify stealing in certain situations?

Answer 72

Some Christians argue that the consequences of an action need to be taken into account. For example, if a mad man had a gun and was about to kill people, they might argue that stealing the weapon is a loving act.

Question 73

What does natural law say about stealing?

Answer 73

Some Christians may argue that natural law teaches us it is wrong to take the belongings of someone else as this is unjust. It suggests we are born with a knowledge of fairness.

Question 74

How might natural law apply in life and death situations?

Answer 74

In a life and death situation, some Christians argue that natural law would allow stealing, such as stealing food if one is starving.

Question 75

What role does conscience play in the morality of stealing?

Answer 75

If some Christians steal, they may feel guilty as their conscience punishes them, leading them to conclude that stealing is wrong.

Question 76

What if a Christian does not feel guilt after stealing?

Answer 76

Some Christians may not feel guilt if they believe their action was justified, such as stealing a weapon from someone intending to hurt others.

Question 77

Why is it difficult to determine the right action regarding stealing?

Answer 77

It is not always easy to work out what the right thing to do is, leading to disagreements among Christians.

Question 78

What do Catholics believe about guidance in moral decisions?

Answer 78

Catholics believe God gave us the Church, the Bible, and our consciences to reflect deeply on what is right and wrong.