Thursday, November 29, 2012
373. What does the dignity of the human person imply for the moral conscience?
(Comp 373) The dignity of a human person requires the uprightness of a moral
conscience (which is to say that it be in accord with what is just and good
according to reason and the law of God). Because of this personal dignity, no
one may be forced to act contrary to conscience; nor, within the limits of the
common good, be prevented from acting according to it, especially in religious
matters.
“In brief”
(CCC 1798) A well-formed
conscience is upright and truthful. It formulates its judgments according to
reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator.
Everyone must avail himself of the means to form his conscience.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 1780)
The dignity of the human person implies and requires uprightness of moral conscience. Conscience includes the perception
of the principles of morality (synderesis); their application in the given circumstances
by practical discernment of reasons and goods; and finally judgment about
concrete acts yet to be performed or already performed. The truth about the
moral good, stated in the law of reason, is recognized practically and
concretely by the prudent judgment of
conscience. We call that man prudent who chooses in conformity with this
judgment.
Reflection
(CCC 1781)
Conscience enables one to assume responsibility
for the acts performed. If man commits evil, the just judgment of conscience
can remain within him as the witness to the universal truth of the good, at the
same time as the evil of his particular choice. The verdict of the judgment of
conscience remains a pledge of hope and mercy. In attesting to the fault
committed, it calls to mind the forgiveness that must be asked, the good that
must still be practiced, and the virtue that must be constantly cultivated with
the grace of God: We shall… reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts
condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything (1 Jn
3:19-20). (CCC 1782) Man has the right to act
in conscience and in freedom so as personally to make moral decisions. "He
must not be forced to act contrary to his conscience. Nor must he be prevented
from acting according to his conscience, especially in religious matters"
(DH 3 § 2).
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