CHAPTER 2:
MORAL THEOLOGY
OUR MORAL LIFE IN CHRIST
WHAT IS MORAL THEOLOGY?
• Moral theology is the study of both the principles
and actions revealed to us by Jesus Christ and
taught by the Catholic Church that will lead us to a
life of holiness and to eternal salvation.
MORAL THEOLOGY IS BASED ON
• Divine Revelation
• Is transmitted to us through Sacred Scripture and Church
Tradition and communicated to us by the Magisterium, the
teaching authority of the Catholic Church.
• It acknowledges that the origin and purpose of all
moral actions are found in God.
MORAL THEOLOGY IS BEYOND HUMAN REASON,
BUT NOT CONTRARY TO HUMAN REASON.
• When human reason is separated from the wisdom of God
as found in the teachings of the Church, false conclusions
are often reached that can have disastrous effects for the
individual and society at large.
• It also includes the study of both moral principles
and actions that comprise the natural law, which is
inscribed in the mind and heart of every individual
and can be known by reason, with the help of
grace.
MORAL THEOLOGY IS COMPATIBLE
WITH NATURAL SCIENCES.
• The moral teachings of the Church, for example,
may use modern scientific findings in the area of
psychology or medicine to support what Christ has
ultimately revealed.
MORAL THEOLOGY RECOGNIZES AND UNDERSTANDS THE
DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON.
• The moral law taught by Christ and in the teachings
of the Catholic Church derive from the Great
Commandment of love, which itself comprises the
call to respect the dignity of all human persons.
THE CHRISTIAN CONCEPT OF
MANKIND
1. Our immortal souls are what make us human.
2. Recognition of the soul is essential for human dignity.
3. Our desire to search for truth is evidence of the
existence of the soul.
4. The human soul is created by God.
5. The human person comprises a body and a soul.
6. Death temporarily separates the soul from the body.
7. Moral theology involves both the physical and spiritual
realities of the human person.
8. In Baptism, the soul is united to Christ.
MORAL EXPECTATIONS OF CHRISTIANS
• Christians have a greater moral responsibility.
• Jesus sets higher standards for his followers.
MORAL REQUIREMENTS
FOR MAN AS A SOCIAL BEING
• Relating to other persons is very much a part of the
human condition.
• This is reflected in the sacraments—Baptism and
Holy Eucharist, which both have individual and
communal characteristics.
• Baptism: Person being baptized is united both to Christ and
to the members of his Mystical Body, the Church.
• Eucharist: the gathered community is strengthened and
renewed in its union with Christ.
Moral requirements
for man as a social being…con’t.
• The Christian is never alone.
• He/she is an integral part of God’s family.
• Objective moral norms exist:
• We have a right to own and use property for our basic
needs.
• We are obligated t respect the property of others in order to
preserve social harmony and the common good.
OUR SOURCES OF MORAL THEOLOGY
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Sacred Scripture
Sacred Tradition
The Magisterium
Natural Law
Natural sciences and moral theology
CONCLUSION
• Christ was sent by the Father to bring his
message of love, hope, and reconciliation
to all people.
• Moral theology is a reflection upon revealed
truth as expressed in Sacred Scripture,
Tradition, and natural law.
• Although every person enjoys the dignity of
being made in the image of God, every
person has moral weaknesses and is inclined
to sin.
Conclusion…
• Through the Sacrament of Baptism a person is
formed in the image of Christ and can again enjoy
the divine life offered by his Redemption.
• Realistic view of the human condition helps us to
aspire to a life of morality.
• We must remain aware of our continuous need of
God’s grace:
• With grace, we are able to live a faithful life of prayer,
sacrifice, and good moral decisions based upon the rich
moral teachings of the Catholic Church.