My dear parishioners,
Peace! Under headings of Judgment, Formation, Choice in Accord, Erroneous Judgment and In Brief, the Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses “conscience” in twenty-nine passages. Here we consider CCC, 1783.
That conscience must be informed should be obvious. Expressions such as “look before you leap” and “shop around” come to mind. When we have an adverse opinion or judgment without just grounds or sufficient knowledge it is rightly termed “prejudice” or “prejudicial.” That there is good and evil is important information for us to know. What is good and evil is also important for us to know.
When we allow our conscience to be correctly informed our moral judgment will be enlightened. While the 1700’s have been termed as a period “The Enlightenment” consultation with Sacred Scripture will remind us that there has been “light” in the world even from the creation (cf. Genesis 1:16; John 1:4; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35-36, 46; Matthew 5:14). Lest hubris overtake us we should remember that Voltaire (aka: Francois-Marie d’Arouet, +1778), David Hume and Immanuel Kant for all of their brilliance (not uncontested) were not the first (or last) to consider moral judgment.
A well-formed conscience is upright and truthful, reflecting both the truth about God and ourselves made in the divine image (Genesis 1:27; Gaudium et spes, 22). That the Lord Jesus is truth incarnate who sets us free should not be forgotten (cf. John 8:32; 14:6).
A well-formed conscience formulates its judgments according to reason conformed with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator. While not using the terms “natural law” here, the Catechism by invoking “the wisdom of the Creator” and “reason” and “the true good” has identified the classic parameters of the natural law. Hedonism a ‘moral’ life based upon maximum pleasure is irrational and against the wisdom of the Creator and the natural law. Utilitarianism (as in “the greatest good for the greatest number”), consequentialism (as in “the end justifies the means”), pragmatism (as in “there are no unchanging/unchangeable truths”), are at best incomplete moral systems
Because of negative influences and temptations of sin the education of conscience is indispensable for us to not prefer our own judgment while rejecting authoritative teachings. While not invoking here “original sin” specifically, temptations arise in us as a consequence of original sin which is also a “negative influence” on each of us. When we see others (neighbors, friends, relatives, coworkers, celebrities…) doing evil things, these serve as “negative influences. This is why we are called to give good example and witness for others (as well as our own good). This is one reason why we love the Saints who have lived holy lives and given good example throughout the ages. How many times have we heard “No one can tell me what to do!” echoing the non serviam (I will not serve) of the Devil? ” God has and does tell us to do good and avoid evil (cf. John 14:15).
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr