Making Moral Decisions
We are shaped by our choice
Every moral choice we make reveals the kind of person we are and forms the
kind of person we become
Examples:
1. From the choice to throw our garbage properly in the trash can
2. Our choice of vocation or career in life.
Sometimes, good choice may seem so clear that we pursue it without much
deliberation
Other times, good choice may not be so clear because there are important
factors to consider:
- Circumstances of our decision-making
- Possible short-term or long-term consequences
- Other people’s guidance - our values formed with the guidance of moral
norms
Why do we need to make moral decisions more carefully?
- The choices before us involve conflicting values
- There is uncertainty or doubt
- Peer pressure
- Possible negative consequences
What values do we need to choose,
What is good ?
Different ways by which people make moral decisions
- “toss coin” decisions
- “bahala na”
- “ene-minie-mienimo”
St. Ignatius Loyola(Patron of retreats and prayers)
- Developed a manual or guide for the Spiritual
- Exercises for prayer and discernment in the context of a 30-day retreat
Bible cutting/ randomly opening the bible to a verse and interpreting its
message as God’s will – it isolates the written text of Sacred scriptures from its
stages of formation, its intended purpose, its proper use and interpretation
and the over-all Christian message
1. Extreme individualities
– only consider their self-centered perspective without listening to the
wisdom of the moral norms, Church teachings and others
- danger of “rationalizing away”(excusing) even clearly morally evil acts
Example:
A student may rationalize his resolve to cheat in the exam by dwelling on his need to
pass
2. Passive conformist
- leave the decision-making to his/her barkada or other authority figures,
sometimes disregarding the very prompting of his/her own conscience.
How can we develop the skill of making HOLISTIC DECISIONS?
How can our personal, loving knowledge of Jesus shape the way we make our everyday moral
decisions?
Jesus’ life and teachings allow us to discern what is goodfor us as well as for others
1. Jn. 8:12= “ i am the light of the world.Whoever follow me will notwalk in darkness,
but will havethe light of life.
2. Acts 2:1-4 = “christs spirit of love, the holy spirit, gives us the courage to choose
the good. The same spirit empowered the fearful disciples at Pentecost
3. Acts 9: 1-19 = instrumental in Pauls conversion
4. Lk 22: 39-46 = “ christs’ own crossroads –in the garden of gethsemanewhere he
confronted thecertainty of his suffering anddeath with such agony”
5. Mt. 20:28 = “jesus prayed to the father, embraced what was good and lovingly
entrusted himself to the father’s will so that his life may be offered as a ransom for many”
6. 1 Jn 3:1 = “jesus is our model of fortitude and true freedom. Selflessly offering his
life to fulfill the fathers will that we may be called the children of god.
7. James 14:6 = “ christ beckons us to follow him for he IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH and
the life.”
Important Elements in Making Moral Decisions
A. Investigate the facts of the Moral Act
3 Dimensions of every Moral Act:
1. The object or nature of the act
- “What is the act involved?”
Example:
a. The act involved in maligning the good reputation of a classmate by
spreading gossip is lying, or SLANDER
b. A person who takes another person’s possession is guilty of STEALING
c. A married person who has intimate relations with someone other than one’s
spouse commits ADULTERY
2. Intention of the act (subjective aspect)
– why are you doing it? Why did you commit the act?
“A good end does not justify a morally evil means”
Example:
When a student lets a friend copy from his own paper during an exam, his goal
is to help a friend pass the subject.3. Circumstances of the act - “What are the
important factors involved in the act? “ It is necessary to understand the particulars
of the moral act in order on facts rather than on whim mere sentimentally.
A. Inquire about the moral norms affecting your act
B. Imagine alternativeness and consequences
C. Introspect: Listen to your emotions
D. Implore God’s help in prayer
- reading and praying using Bible
- visiting the Blessed sacrament
- Exercising the examine of consciousness
- journalizing
GROWING IN VIRTUE, GROWING IN CHRIST
A. Cardinal Virtues
1. PRUDENCE
- the virtue of good moral judgment or wisdom.
Example:
A prudent person/teenager is someone who makes moral decisions carefully and
intelligently, knows his/her priorities, and clearly distinguishes between what is
good and true from what is evil and false
2. FORTITUDE
- the virtue of moral strength or moral courage, the capacity to resist temptation
and pursue what is good despite obstacles’
Example:
Someone who possesses the virtue of fortitude has the ability to endure, overcome
difficulties and sacrifice to do what is good.
3. JUSTICE
- the firm will to give persons their due
Example:
A truly just person is one who genuinely respect all persons, acts compassionately
towards all those in need, and has a firm sense of responsibility towards others and
the whole community
4. TEMPERANCE
- the virtue of moderation or self-mastery.
Example:
A person who exemplifies temperance manager his/her emotions, drives, and
impulses and expresses them appropriately
THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES
1. FAITH
2. HOPE
3. LOVE
