YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth
296 Can someone be compelled to do something that
is against his conscience?
No one may be compelled to act against his conscience,
provided he acts within the limits of the common good. [1780-1782,
1798]
Painting: …..The Denial of Saint Peter by Caravaggio (1571-1610). ..... Then Peter
remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny
me three times.” (and, in response to his conscience, Peter) went out and began
to weep bitterly.” -- Matthew 26:75 …..296
Anyone who overlooks the conscience of a person, ignores it
and uses coercion, violates that person’s dignity. Practically nothing else makes a man more
human than the gift of being able personally to distinguish good from evil and
to choose between them. This is so even
if the decision, seen in objective light, is wrong. Unless man’s conscience has been incorrectly
formed, the inner voice speaks in agreement with what is generally reasonable,
just and good in God’s sight.
To do violence to people’s conscience means to harm them
seriously, to deal an extremely painful blow to their dignity. In a certain sense, it is worse than killing
them.” Blessed John XXIII (1881-1963,
the Pope who convoked the Second Vatican Council)
1780-1782, 1798
I. THE JUDGMENT OF
CONSCIENCE
…….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. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition
…….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 John 3:19-20.)52 –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."( Dignitatis Humani 3 §
2.)53
–CCC
IN BRIEF
…….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.
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