296. The judgment of conscience

 YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 296

Ave Maria series

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]

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]

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: --CCC

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. –CCC

Apostle St. Peter’s denial