The Properly Formed Conscience - Its All About Love: Growing Intimacy with Jesus

Conscience in a Postmodern Relativistic World

Gaudium et Spes describes conscience as a divinely inspired moral compass within each person, guiding them towards good and truth. It’s a sacred space where we encounter God and are called to live in accordance with His law of love.

An Inner Law: It’s not a law imposed from the outside but an inherent law written in the heart of every human being by God. It summons us to love good and avoid evil.
Voice of God: Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of a person, where they are alone with God, whose voice echoes in their depths. It’s a way in which God communicates His law to us.
Guide to Truth and Love: Conscience reveals the law that is fulfilled by love of God and neighbor. It guides us in our search for truth and in making decisions that align with that truth.
Foundation of Human Dignity: Obeying this inner law is the very dignity of man, and according to it, each person will be judged. It’s not merely a feeling or opinion but a fundamental aspect of our human nature and moral responsibility.

Fallible but Essential: Conscience can err due to ignorance, but it doesn’t lose its dignity. It’s essential for moral decision-making and for guiding us towards genuine solutions to the problems we face in life.

Our Freedom to Choose

In paragraph 17 of Gaudium et Spes, the concept of “freedom” is presented as a complex and multifaceted idea with two distinct interpretations:

Authentic Freedom (Capacity for Good):
- Gaudium et Spes presents “authentic freedom” as a unique sign of the divine image within each person. This freedom is not about unrestrained self-indulgence but about the capacity to choose good. It’s the ability to make informed decisions based on reason and conscience, rather than being driven by blind impulses or external pressures.
- This authentic freedom allows individuals to seek their Creator and strive for spiritual perfection. It’s a freedom that enables personal growth, moral responsibility, and a deeper relationship with God.
- The document emphasizes that true freedom involves not only the ability to choose but also the responsibility to act in accordance with that choice. It requires self-discipline, the pursuit of virtue, and the cultivation of habits that support a life of goodness.

Key Points about Freedom

Freedom is not absolute: While freedom is essential for human dignity, it is not unlimited. Authentic freedom is guided by reason, conscience, and a moral framework that recognizes the inherent dignity and rights of others.
Freedom is a gift: Authentic freedom is seen as a divine gift, a reflection of God’s image in humanity. It is a capacity that allows us to participate in God’s creative work and to strive for a life of love and goodness.
Freedom is damaged by sin: The document acknowledges that human freedom has been wounded by sin, making it difficult to always choose good. It highlights the need for God’s grace to heal and strengthen our capacity for authentic freedom.
Freedom implies responsibility: The exercise of freedom comes with the responsibility to make choices that are in accordance with our conscience and that promote the well-being of ourselves and others. We are accountable for our actions before God.

In conclusion, paragraph 17 of Gaudium et Spes provides a nuanced understanding of freedom, distinguishing between a misguided notion of freedom as license and an authentic freedom rooted in the capacity to choose good. This authentic freedom is seen as a divine gift that enables us to live a life of meaning, purpose, and moral responsibility.

“Inner Law of Conscience”

Based on the context of the paragraphs and the broader philosophical and religious traditions, the “inner law of conscience” refers to a deeply ingrained moral sense or compass within each individual that guides them towards what is good and right. It’s not an external set of rules imposed by others but an internal voice that helps us discern between right and wrong, good and evil.

Key aspects of the inner law of conscience:

Inherent and Universal: It’s considered a fundamental part of human nature, present in all individuals regardless of their cultural or religious background.
Divine Origin: The paragraphs suggest this inner law is divinely inspired, a reflection of God’s moral law written on our hearts.
Guidance and Discernment: The conscience acts as a guide, urging us towards actions that are loving, just, and compassionate, and warning us against those that are harmful or unethical.
Individual Responsibility: While the inner law provides guidance, we are ultimately responsible for our choices. We can choose to listen to and obey our conscience or ignore it.
Not Infallible: The conscience can be influenced by factors like upbringing, cultural norms, and personal biases. It’s not always perfectly aligned with objective moral truth and may need to be educated and refined.

In essence, the inner law of conscience is a moral compass that helps us navigate life’s complexities, guiding us towards actions that promote human flourishing and the common good. It’s a reminder of our inherent dignity and our responsibility to live in accordance with our highest moral values.

The Concept of “Good” in Relation to Conscience

In this context, “good” refers to actions, choices, and behaviors that align with a moral or ethical framework, rather than simply personal desires or impulses. It implies a deeper understanding of what is beneficial not only for oneself but also for others and society as a whole.

This concept of “good” is rooted in the idea that humans have an inherent capacity for moral reasoning and a conscience that guides them towards what is right. Choosing “good” involves using this capacity to make decisions that promote well-being, justice, and harmonious relationships.

Here’s how the term “good” might be interpreted within the context of the conscience:

Alignment with conscience: Choosing “good” means acting in accordance with the inner law of conscience, which directs us towards love, compassion, and respect for others.
Promotion of human dignity: “Good” actions uphold the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, recognizing their rights and needs.
Responsibility and accountability: Choosing “good” involves taking responsibility for one’s choices and their impact on others, acknowledging that our actions have consequences.
Transcendence of self-interest: “Good” is not solely about personal gain or gratification, but about making choices that contribute to the greater good and promote a just and equitable society.

Examples of what might be considered “good” in this context:

Helping someone in need, even if it inconveniences us.
Standing up for what is right, even if it is unpopular.
Choosing honesty and integrity, even when faced with temptation.
Working towards a more just and equitable society for all.
Respecting the environment and other living beings.

By contrast, simply doing whatever one wants, without consideration for others or for the moral implications of one’s actions, would not be considered “good” in this context.

Overall, the concept of “good” in these paragraphs is linked to a higher purpose and a deeper understanding of human flourishing. It calls us to use our freedom not merely for self-indulgence but for the pursuit of what is truly meaningful and beneficial for ourselves and the world around us.

21st Century Relativism and a Properly Formed Conscience

In our current postmodern relativistic society, several factors can inhibit our ability to use our conscience to choose “the inner law of conscience”:

Rejection of Objective Truth: Postmodern relativism questions the existence of universal moral truths, suggesting that morality is subjective and varies across cultures and individuals. This can lead to confusion about what is truly “good” and erode confidence in the guidance of one’s conscience.
Emphasis on Individual Expression: The emphasis on individual expression and autonomy can prioritize personal desires and preferences over moral considerations. This can lead to a disregard for the inner law of conscience, which may call for self-sacrifice or actions that go against personal interests.
Influence of Cultural Relativism: The belief that all cultural practices and values are equally valid can make it difficult to discern between those that align with the inner law of conscience and those that don’t. This can lead to moral compromises and a blurring of ethical lines.
Consumerism and Materialism: The prevalence of consumerism and materialism can create a focus on external validation and material possessions, diverting attention from the inner voice of conscience, which may call for simpler, more ethical ways of living.
Information Overload and Digital Distractions: The constant barrage of information and the distractions of the digital age can make it difficult to quiet the mind and listen to the subtle whispers of conscience. This can lead to impulsive decisions and a disconnection from one’s moral compass.
Erosion of Shared Values and Traditions: The decline of shared values and traditions can leave individuals feeling adrift, without clear moral guidance. This can make it harder to cultivate a strong conscience and make choices that align with the inner law of conscience.
Fear of Judgment and Social Pressure: In a society that often celebrates moral ambiguity and avoids judgment, individuals may hesitate to follow their conscience if it leads them to unpopular or controversial positions. This can lead to self-censorship and a suppression of one’s inner moral convictions.

In a culture of relativism, the notion of objective truth and universal moral principles is often questioned or rejected. Instead, morality becomes subjective, based on individual preferences and cultural norms. This can lead to a conflict between an individual’s conscience, formed by these relativistic influences, and the properly formed conscience based on an individual choosing the “Good” of the “Inner Law of Conscience” which is based on a belief in objective truth revealed by God in his commandments of “Love.”

Here’s how this conflict can arise, with pride playing a significant role:

Formation of Conscience: In a relativistic culture, individuals are often exposed to a wide range of values and beliefs, with no clear guidance on what is right or wrong. This can lead to a conscience that is poorly formed or misinformed, based on personal opinions and societal trends rather than on moral principles grounded in faith and reason as set forth above.
Primacy of Individual Autonomy: Relativism often emphasizes individual autonomy and the freedom to choose one’s own values. This can lead to a belief that personal conscience is the ultimate authority, even above the teachings of the Church. Pride can play a role here, as individuals may feel that their own judgment is superior to that of religious authorities.
Rejection of External Authority: Relativism can foster skepticism towards any external authority, including the Church. This can lead to a rejection of Church teachings on moral issues, even when those teachings are based on centuries of tradition and reflection on God’s revelation. Pride can manifest as a resistance to being told what to believe or how to behave, leading to a dismissal of religious authority.
Justifying Personal Choices: In a relativistic framework, individuals may seek to justify their own choices and behaviors, even when they contradict Church teachings. This can involve rationalizing their actions, downplaying the significance of moral norms, or even redefining concepts like “good” and “evil” to fit their own preferences. Pride can contribute to this by making individuals resistant to acknowledging their own wrongdoing or the need for guidance from others.

Creating Division and Conflict: When individual conscience and Church authority clash, it can lead to division and conflict within the community. This can manifest as disagreements over specific moral issues, challenges to Church teachings, or even a rejection of the Church’s authority altogether. Pride can exacerbate these conflicts by making individuals unwilling to compromise or consider alternative perspectives.

Pope Benedict on Conscience

Pope Benedict XVI (formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) had a profound and nuanced understanding of conscience, which he developed throughout his theological career and papacy. Drawing on a rich tradition of philosophical and theological thought, he emphasized the following key aspects of conscience:

Voice of Truth: Pope Benedict saw conscience not merely as a subjective feeling but as the voice of truth within the individual. It’s a capacity to discern objective moral truth and to act accordingly, even when facing external pressures or conflicting opinions.
Dialogue with God: He emphasized that conscience is deeply connected to our relationship with God. It’s a sacred space where we encounter God’s voice and are called to respond in obedience and love. It’s through prayer, reflection, and study of God’s word that we can cultivate a well-formed conscience.
Not Just Individualism: While conscience involves personal discernment, Pope Benedict cautioned against a purely subjective understanding. He emphasized that conscience is formed within a community of faith, guided by the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of tradition.
Responsibility and Obedience: He stressed the importance of both forming one’s conscience and obeying its dictates. A well-formed conscience binds us to act in accordance with our understanding of truth and goodness, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.
Balancing Freedom and Authority: Pope Benedict recognized the tension between individual conscience and the authority of the Church. He emphasized the need for respectful dialogue and discernment, seeking to harmonize personal convictions with the teachings of the Church’s Magisterium.
Conscience and Culture: He highlighted the challenges posed by a relativistic culture that often undermines the authority of conscience. He called for a renewed commitment to moral truth and the formation of conscience in the face of these cultural pressures.

In summary, Pope Benedict XVI understood conscience as a profound capacity for discerning and responding to truth, deeply rooted in our relationship with God. It’s a gift that requires ongoing formation, discernment, and obedience, and it plays a crucial role in guiding our moral lives and shaping our decisions.

Deepening Our Intimacy with the Lord

Making decisions based on a properly formed conscience fosters can help foster intimacy with Jesus in several ways:

Aligning with God’s Will: A properly formed conscience is attuned to God’s moral law and the teachings of Christ. By following our conscience, we are essentially seeking to align our will with God’s will. This alignment creates a deeper connection with Jesus as we strive to live as he lived and love as he loved.
Discerning God’s Voice: The conscience acts as a channel through which God speaks to us. When we listen to our conscience, we are in effect listening to the voice of God guiding us towards what is good and true. This active listening fosters a closer relationship with Jesus, as we become more attuned to his presence and guidance in our lives.
Living in Truth: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). A properly formed conscience helps us to discern truth from falsehood, right from wrong. By living in accordance with this truth, we grow closer to Jesus, who is the embodiment of truth.
Cultivating Virtue: Following our conscience leads us to practice virtues like love, compassion, justice, and forgiveness. These virtues are at the heart of Jesus’ teachings and reflect his character. As we cultivate these virtues in our lives, we become more like Christ and draw closer to him in spirit.
Experiencing Inner Peace: When we make decisions that are in harmony with our conscience, we experience a sense of inner peace and fulfillment. This peace comes from knowing that we are living in alignment with our deepest values and with God’s will. This inner peace deepens our intimacy with Jesus, as we experience the joy and serenity that come from following him.
Developing a Moral Sensitivity: A properly formed conscience helps us to become more sensitive to the needs of others and the injustices in the world. As we act with compassion and work for justice, we are living out the Gospel message and participating in the mission of Christ. This shared purpose strengthens our connection to Jesus and his work in the world.
Receiving God’s Grace: When we make a sincere effort to follow our conscience, even when it’s difficult, we open ourselves to God’s grace. This grace empowers us to grow in virtue and holiness, drawing us closer to Jesus and transforming our lives.

In summary, making decisions based on a properly formed conscience is not just about following rules or avoiding sin. It’s about developing a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, aligning our will with his, and participating in his mission of love and redemption. By listening to the voice of conscience, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s grace and grow in intimacy with our Savior.

Sharing

Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age

Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post