Christian Morality

Foundational Principles: Moral

Choices

Created for Love & HappinessCreated out of love

◦World created for us◦We were created for God◦Eternal destiny in communion with God

Created in God’s Image and Likeness◦The summit of God’s creation

Soul Intellect Free will

Gifts from GodSoul

◦ Given at conception, animates us (Genesis 2: 7)◦ Our spiritual principle, is immortal◦ Core of our human consciousness and freedom

Intellect◦ Gift that helps us to see and understand the order of

the created world◦ Allows us to distinguish between truth and deception

We can understand how to stay in relationship with God

Free will◦ Gift that gives us the ability to choose from among

various actions for which we are held accountable Genesis 4: 6-7 Sirach 15: 11-20

“With great gifts comes great responsibility”

Freedom to ChooseMoral choice

◦Free will allows us to do good or evil◦Responsibility for our choices

Factors may lessen the blame Not excuses but recognition of circumstances

that may hinder our freedom to choose

Original sin◦Transmitted to us from our ancestors◦Original holiness was for all human

nature◦Concupiscence: a tendency toward

sin

New Life in ChristOld Testament promises

◦Salvation history Protoevangelium

Chosen people and the Divine law Given rituals and the priesthood Leadership in the judges, kings and prophets Human response was lacking

New Testament fulfillment◦Paschal mystery

Battle against sin and death is won

Called to BeatitudeNew vision of life

◦Radical difference from society’s view Poor in spirit vs. self-centered Meek vs. proud Merciful vs. vengeful Peacemaker vs. conflict Persecuted vs. secure

◦Simple but not easy

Holy TrinityCompass, (GPS) and strength

◦Gives us direction, “points north” Scripture and Tradition

◦Die and reborn in Baptism Receive grace

Moral Choices bring us closer to the Trinity◦Called by the Father to holiness◦ Jesus is our model by his example and

teachings◦Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Justification & Sanctification

Faith or works?◦We are saved by God’s work not our own◦ Justified through Christ

Through Baptism we share in Christ’s righteousness in uniting ourselves to Christ’s passion, death and resurrection

Restoration of original holiness and justice is made possible

◦Begins with conversion Realization that we need to turn back to God and

away from evil Accept God’s gift of forgiveness and righteousness Justification leads to sanctification

Our CollaborationMerit

◦A reward from God to those who love him and follow Jesus’ Law of Love. We do not earn merit. It is a gift from God. (see Gen.4: 3-7)

Why should we be good?◦God made us to be good◦God has given us a share in his love and life◦God has justified us so that we can live in

perfect communion with him◦ If we are good for our own purposes it will

backfire on us. God must be our center not us.