Christian Morality and Ethics

Introduction

As Christians, we are called to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Christian morality and ethics provide us with the principles and values that guide
our decisions and actions. In this lesson, we will explore the sources of Christian
morality, the virtues, the commandments, sin and forgiveness, and the role of
conscience in making moral decisions.

Sources of Christian Morality

Christian morality is rooted in three main sources:

1. Scripture: The Bible provides us with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the
early Christian community. (CCC 101-133)

- “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

2. Tradition: The traditions of the Church, passed down through the centuries,
provide us with a rich understanding of Christian morality. (CCC 78-83)

- “Therefore, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were
taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

3. The Teaching Authority of the Church: The Magisterium, which includes the
Pope and the bishops, provides authoritative guidance on matters of faith and
morals. (CCC 85-87)
 - “He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who
rejects me rejects him who sent me.” (Luke 10:16)

Virtues

The virtues are habits of character that enable us to live a morally good life.

Theological Virtues

These virtues are infused in us by God and help us to live a life of faith, hope, and
charity.

1. Faith: believing in God and His teachings (CCC 153-165)

- “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not from you, it is
the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

2. Hope: trusting in God’s promises and providence (CCC 1817-1821)

- “Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

3. _Charity_: loving God and our neighbors as ourselves (CCC 1822-1829)

- “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or
rude.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Cardinal Virtues
These virtues are acquired through practice and help us to live a morally good life.

1. Prudence: making wise and informed decisions (CCC 1806)

- “The simple believes everything, but the prudent man looks where he is
going.” (Proverbs 14:15)

2. Justice: treating others fairly and justly (CCC 1807)

- “Do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah
6:8)

3. Temperance: moderating our desires and actions (CCC 1809)

- “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” (Philippians 4:5)

4. Fortitude: showing courage and perseverance in the face of challenges (CCC

- “Be strong and courageous, do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord
your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Commandments

The Ten Commandments provide us with a framework for living a morally good
life.

1. I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me. (Exodus
20:3)

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. (Exodus 20:7)
3. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8)

4. Honor your father and your mother.(Exodus 20:12)

5. You shall not kill. (Exodus 20:13)

6. You shall not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:17)

7. You shall not steal. (Exodus 20:15)

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.(Exodus 20:16)

9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife._ (Exodus 20:17)

10. _You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor._ (Exodus 20:17)

Sin and Forgiveness

Sin is any thought, word, or action that goes against God’s law and offends Him.

1. Mortal Sin: a grave offense against God that separates us from Him and can
lead to eternal damnation if not forgiven. (CCC 1855-1861)

- “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ
Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

2. Venial Sin: a less serious offense against God that does not separate us from
Him, but still offends Him and requires forgiveness. (CCC 1862-1863)

- “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1
John 1:8)

Forgiveness
Forgiveness is available to us through the sacrament of Penance, where we confess
our sins to a priest and receive absolution.

- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Role of Conscience

Our conscience is the interior voice that guides us in making moral decisions.

- “For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we have behaved
in the world, and especially toward you, with holiness and godly sincerity,
not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:12)

A Well-Formed Conscience

To form our conscience, we must:

1. Know God’s law: study Scripture and the teachings of the Church

2. _Reflect on our actions_: examine our thoughts, words, and actions in light of
God’s law

3. Seek guidance: consult with spiritual directors, priests, or other trusted advisors

4. Pray for discernment: ask God for wisdom and guidance in making moral
decisions
Conclusion

Christian morality and ethics provide us with the principles and values that guide
our decisions and actions. By understanding the sources of Christian morality, the
virtues, the commandments, sin and forgiveness, and the role of conscience, we
can live a morally good life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ.