1. The Law of God

2. God is the source of all true law
God placed in his Creation an order that reflects God’s self
God’s law governs the universe and directs it to its ultimate purpose

3. Moral law governs the relationships humans have with God and with one another
Humans are unique in that they can act against the natural order (think: free will)
Resulting often in: pain, suffering chaos

4. Eternal Law
Through reason and study of divine revelation, we can discover and understand God’s eternal law

5. Eternal Law and the Moral Law
Eternal law: the order in creation that reflects God’s will and purpose. (also known as Divine Law)
It is eternal because it is always true and never changes
All other types of law are based in it.
Every part of creation finds its purpose (its true end) in eternal law
Can be partially understood through the gift of intellect

6. In general, law is a rule of behavior that is made by a competent authority for the sake of the common good.

7. Moral law Comes from God Is a rational expression of eternal law
Reflects God’s wisdom
The teaching that leads to the blessed life for all people
Can be known through the gift of conscience
We are free to choose to do what is right or wrong but, not free to decide what is right or wrong.

8. Moral law (continued) Moral truth is objective, not subjective.
Based in God’s law

9. Natural Law
Natural law: the moral law that can be understood through our intellect and the use of reason.
rooted in our participation in God’s wisdom and goodness because we are created in the divine likeness

10. Natural Moral Law (cont.)
Ability to do good and avoid evil by reasoning is universal
Not dependent on a particular religion (e.g. The Golden Rule)
Acknowledged by the founders of the US in the Declaration of Independence: certain moral truths are self- evident…certain fundamental rights and duties for all humans…cannot be taken away.
It is part of our human nature.
A state or community that exemplifies justice and goodness will enact civil laws reflecting natural law.

11. Natural Moral Law and the Church
Natural law was acknowledged by early Greek philosophy- Aristotle
A recognition of laws that were true everywhere and for everyone
Influenced early Christianity
Able to be seen through creation

12. Natural Moral Law and the Church (cont.)
St. Augustine states that the natural law is stamped on our hearts.
All people have an orientation to moral living
Not dependent upon religion or baptism
Even one who has not been exposed to God’s revelation in Scripture and Tradition can be saved…

13. Law and the Original Covenant
Natural law alone is not a sufficient guide to obeying natural moral law.
Original sin clouds our intellect’s ability to know and understand natural law.
Because of this, God revealed God’s law through Scripture and Tradition

14. (cont.)
Firstly, the moral law was revealed in the Old Law also called the Law of Moses.
This is the first stage of God’s revelation.
Summarized in the Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue.
They are a special expression of natural law.

15. (cont.)
The Decalogue is part of the Sacred Covenant God made with the Israelites at Mt. Sinai
Called the “Old” Covenant of the Original Covenant
A covenant relationship of love with God and his Chosen People
Jesus is the New Covenant or fulfillment of the Old.
The Decalogue teaches Israelites how to live in loving (right) relationship with God and one another.

16. Ten Commandments are but a small part of the law found in the Pentateuch.
Today’s Church catechism uses the Ten Commandments as the framework for Christian morality.
Jesus teaches a New Law-Divine Law revealed in the Gospels through the life and teachings of Christ and the witness of the Apostles. Law of the Gospels.