(Introduction)
Morality Resulting From Conscience
111. So far we have spoken about morality which precedes the formation of conscience in the human being, a morality not generally observed. Having determined its existence and examined its nature, we must now consider the more widely known morality resulting from the formation of conscience. Its existence needs no demonstration because people generally accept that all good and evil in the human being is caused by conscience, although this opinion agrees neither with reason nor with the dogmatic teachings of Christianity, as we have seen (cf. 32-71).
112. It is true that once moral conscience has been formed, we possess a new principle of morality. Anyone who judges as evil an action he is about to do, and does it, undoubtedly sins - which indicates how we are obliged to follow conscience, the moral judgment we make about our actions (cf. 15).
113. This truth - that we are obliged to follow conscience as soon as it is formed in our spirit - is taught in scripture. St. Paul says: 'Whatever does not proceed from faith' (that is, from conscience, from the sincere persuasion of doing good), 'is sin.'(89)
114. We must first examine, therefore, how we pass from not having to having a conscience about our acts. This will indicate the way for solving other difficulties. We cannot form a clear concept of the different kinds of moral conscience and their obligating force unless we carefully investigate the origin of conscience and gradually examine all the modifications it undergoes in the human spirit.
Notes
(89) Rom 14: 23. The Greek word 'pistiz ' means both faith and persuasion.
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