Christian Morality and Social Justice Rev. Allain B. Caparas, M.Div, MA, MSCM cand.

Journal Reflection Do you consider yourself a religious person? Why or why not?

Introduction: What is Life in Christ?

Hearing God’s Voice Open book to page 8 Two essential steps of Catholic Christian morality: Draw near to Jesus and learn from Him. We must do what Jesus says. What is Christian morality? Special kind of knowing of what ought to be done. The science of what humans ought to do by reason of who they are Science  we are able to know right and wrong How? – human reason, human experience, and divine revelation “by reason of who they are” – morality hinges on a correct view of the human person as a child of God and has dignity.

What’s Right and What’s Wrong Activity – page 9

Morality As A Response to God To be a moral person is to know how to be responsible. Catholic point of view  Morality is our response to God. And we are able to do so because God gave us…: Intelligence and freedom with the help of His grace Help of the Holy Spirit Support of the Church Help of the Magisterium Help of Jesus Christ

Therefore… The key thing in morality is that our decisions should always be made on the basis of an informed and educated conscience. The Church teaches us what is right and wrong to help us form our consciences correctly

Living A Moral Life To decide and act according to God’s plan; being responsible and cooperating with God’s grace. When we choose good and God’s plan, it leads us to happiness and our final destiny of union with God. Choosing “bad” things might lead to temporary satisfaction, but it often leads to a lifetime of misery and wasted talents.

Virtues Virtues are healthy, good habits that help us do good and empower us to become what God wants us to be. Catechism – the habit to do good. Two types: Theological and Cardinal Virtues

Theological Virtues Faith, Hope, and Love/Charity (1 Corinthians 13) – enables us to live in relationship to the Blessed Trinity. Faith – enables us to believe in God and what the Church teaches Hope – enables us to desire heaven and eternal life; keeps us from getting discouraged; to strive for true happiness Charity – Empowers us to “love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor”; helps us to practice all virtues and uplifts our ability.

Cardinal Virtues From the Latin word, cardo, which means hinge. They are “natural virtues”; we gain these virtues through education and repeated practice. Prudence Justice Fortitude Temperance

How Do You View Your Humanity? Page 27

Three Rules To Guide You In Being Yourself