Conscience

The numbers in parenthese that follow the questions refer to related paragraphs in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Conscience

1. What is conscience?
2. Must we follow our conscience?
3. What is necessary to have a correct conscience?
4. What role do others play in our formation of conscience?
5. Does prayer influence conscience?
6. Are we responsible for our actions?
7. Can we act with a doubtful conscience?
8. What is a scrupulous conscience?
9. What is a lax conscience?
10. If a conscience errs because of invincible ignorance, does the person sin?
11. Is everything that is legal, morally right?
12. Does a good end ever justify the use of evil means?
13. What if "everyone else is doing it"?

1. What is conscience?
Conscience is a practical judgment (decision) as to whether an action, word, thought, desire or omission is good and to be consented to, or evil and to be avoided. It is our most secret core and sanctuary where we are alone with God. (1776-1778)

They show the effect of the law which is written on their hearts. Their consciences also bear witness, their conflicting thoughts accusing or even defending them on the day when, according to my gospel, God judges men's secrets through Christ Jesus (Rom 2:15-16).

2. Must we follow our conscience?
If we have reflected well and are certain that something is the right thing to do, we must follow our conscience. (1778)

3. What is necessary to have a correct conscience?
To have a correct conscience one first needs to know God's law (as it is known in the natural law and revealed in the Bible), the laws of the Church and also the particular duties of one's state in life. Then one's conscience will better express what is right or wrong in a particular situation. In addition, one needs to be prudent and upright in order to apply these criteria to the matter at hand. (1783)

4. What role do others play in our formation of conscience?
Among those who help in the formation of conscience, parents play the major role by the instruction, example and guidance they give to their children. They are the first and the constant teachers of their children, instructing them about God's love and his law, the duties of religion and society, virtues and family values. Others who influence the formation of conscience are pastors, teachers, relatives and civil and religious authorities. (1784)

5. Does prayer influence conscience?
Yes, prayer enlightens and strengthens conscience, giving it the direction of God's Word. We need to examine our intentions and actions in the light of prayer. The grace of the Holy Spirit helps us to recognize and choose what is God's will. (1785)

6. Are we responsible for our actions?
We are truly responsible for our actions because God gave us an intellect and free will, which we are to use to fulfill the purpose for which he made us. (1730)

The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself (Ezek 18:20).

7. Can we act with a doubtful conscience?
A doubtful conscience is one which cannot decide if an act is good and to be done or evil and to be avoided. When in such a doubt one must either refrain from acting or resolve the doubt. (1787)

8. What is a scrupulous conscience?
A scrupulous conscience is one that is constantly in doubt, in fear of sin when there is none, or in fear of mortal sin when there is only venial sin. A scrupulous conscience can be helped by direction from a wise confessor, humble prayer, and sometimes by professional help.

9. What is a lax conscience?
A lax conscience is one which judges more by convenience than by God's law and leads a person to easily commit sin, slight or serious. Everything is judged carelessly, without thought of the consequences or the offense to God. (1791)

10. If a conscience errs because of invincible ignorance, does the person sin?
No, if a conscience errs because of invincible (unavoidable) ignorance, the person does not sin. (1793)

Their understanding is clouded and they are alienated from God's life because of their ignorance... (Eph 4:18).

11. Is everything that is legal, morally right?
Everything that is legal is not necessarily morally right. Civil law cannot contradict the law of God. For example, the legality of abortion does not make it morally right. (1782)

We have to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

12. Does a good end ever justify the use of evil means?
No, we are never permitted to do evil in order that good may result from it. God wants us to have a good end and reach it by doing good deeds. Anyone, especially a Christian, must be ready to make sacrifices and if necessary even to go to death for the sake of one's salvation. (1789)

13. What if "everyone else is doing it"?
"Everyone else is doing it" cannot excuse our wrongdoing, since God's law is not based on popularity, but on his divine will and our final end.

I urge you to watch out for those who cause dissension and raise obstacles which are contrary to what you were taught (Rom 16:17).

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