LESSON 9: SIN ●​ delectatio morosa, i.e.

the pleasure taken in a sinful thought

or imagination even without desiring it;
Definition of Sin ●​ gaudium, i.e. dwelling with complacency on sins already
●​ Sin is an offense against reason, truth, and right conscience. committed; and
●​ It is an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal ●​ desiderium, i.e. the desire for what is sinful.
law.
●​ It is an offense against God; saying NO to God, to love, to
personal growth, and to others. CLASSIFICATIONS OF SIN
●​ It is evil intentionally committed. Sins are classified into three:
●​ It is a bad free human decision. ●​ 1. Personal Sin – is a sin committed by the individual person,
but always in relation to others and the community (e.g. lying,
Concept of Sin in the Old Testament (TMDS) cheating, backbiting, stealing, etc.).
●​ transgression of God’s law and will and rejection of His love. ●​ 2. Social Sin – is a sin which affects other people and the
●​ It is “missing the mark” (failure to keep the covenant). whole community.
●​ disobedience against the Decalogue of God (Dt. 28:15-68). ○​ They are negative attitude and acts or failures to
●​ Sin is considered as forgetfulness of God, a turning away act that are common to a community.
from Him, and as ingratitude (Num 1-3, Ex. 16:5a, Is1:2-4) ●​ 3. Structural sin - refers to social groups, institutions,
organizations or economic systems that produce injustice,
3 Main Conceptions of Sin (DCP) harm and ultimately suffering (e.g. graft and corruption,
●​ Sin is a defilement or stain (the sense of being unclean jobless, homeless, crimes etc.)
before the face of God).
●​ Sin is a crime, an internal violation of Yahweh’s covenant ●​ Besides the personal sin of individuals (such as thoughts and
relationship (Is 59:2-8). desires of lust and jealousy), and interpersonal sins corrupting
●​ Sin is a personal rejection of a love relationship. relationships (e.g., gossip, adultery), there are societal sins
located in the social structures, situations and groups which
Concept of Sin in the New Testament (LULULAD) oppresspersons, violate their human dignity, stifle freedom
●​ Sin is an ungrateful desertion of the Lord (Lk. 15:11-32). and foster inequality.
●​ Sin is an antithesis of charity, an offense against love (Luke
7:47). GRAVITY/DEGREE OF SIN
●​ Sin is a desecration of a person’s own body because
his/her body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit is ●​ 1. Mortal sin (sin unto death) - is a grievous offense against
destroyed by immorality. the law of God by which we seriously fail in our duties towards
●​ Sin is an utterance, a deed (commission or omission) or a God, towards our neighbor, or towards ourselves.
desire contrary to the eternal law. ○​ It kills our basic love relationship with God and
●​ Sin is to love oneself inordinately, not open to God and to others.
one’s fellowmen. ○​ It is the greatest of all evil.
●​ Sin is lawlessness and unrighteousness. ○​ For a sin to be "MORTAL”, it must be a grave
●​ Lack of belief is the most radical sin: “Every sin will be matter; there must be sufficient knowledge and full
forgiven, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be consent.
forgiven (Mt. 12:31). ●​ 2. Venial sin - is a lesser transgression of the divine Law, by
which we slightly fail in some duty towards God, towards our
We are still responsible for sins committed by others: neighbor, or towards ourselves.
●​ 1. when we cooperate in them by participating directly and ○​ It does not involve our fundamental core freedom
voluntarily with them; but undermines and weakens our love relationship
●​ 2. ordering, advising, praising, or approving them; with God and with others.
●​ 3. not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an
obligation to do so; EFFECTS OF SIN. (BRADS)
●​ 4. protecting evildoers It has disastrous effects in human life, but the world often makes sinful
deeds seem very attractive.

●​ Sins give rise to social situations and institutions that are ●​ 1. Sin alienates us from God, from other people and from
contrary to the divine goodness. ourselves.
●​ “Structures of sin” are the expression and effect of personal ●​ 2. Sin brings with it shame and shamelessness (Rm.6:21;
sins. Prov.21:29).
●​ Personal sins constitute a “social sin” ●​ 3. Sin robs the body and soul of strength (Ps.38:4).
●​ By committing “personal or private sins” we dirty & stain the ●​ 4. Sin destroys reputation, honor and fame (Prov.10:7;
society which should be clean Sir.10:28-29).
●​ 5. Sin is a kind of sickness that damages the personality of
INTERNAL SINS the sinner. Sin is addictive.
●​ Internal sins are:
■​ Mental Complacency THE SEVEN CAPITAL SINS
■​ Evil Desire They are called capital because they are the sources from which all
■​ Sinful Joy other sins take their rise or
■​ Sinful Regret beginning:
●​ 1. Pride - excessive love for oneself.

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 ●​ 2. Avarice - inordinate love of worldly goods. hesitation in believing, difficulty in overcoming
●​ 3. Lust - inordinate sexual desires objections connected with the faith, or also anxiety
●​ 4. Anger - destructive aggressiveness, angry feelings aroused by its obscurity. If deliberately cultivated
towards others doubt can lead to spiritual blindness.
●​ 5. Envy – sorrow over another’s good fortune or success
●​ 6. Gluttony - unregulated love for food ●​ Hope
●​ 7. Sloth – laziness in keeping the faith, neglecting to do one’s ○​ When God reveals Himself and calls him, man
duty cannot fully respond to the divine love by his own
powers. He must hope that God will give him the
Here are some ways that we can avoid falling into it and to overcome capacity to love Him in return and to act in
sin: conformity with the commandments of charity. Hope
1.​ Put God above everything else. is the confident expectation of divine blessing and
2.​ Love others the way we love ourselves. the beatific vision of God; it is also the fear of
3.​ Keep away from occasions of sin. offending God's love and of incurring punishment.
4.​ Take part in the Eucharist on Sundays and other holy days.
5.​ Receive the sacraments frequently. ●​ Charity
6.​ Pray often ○​ CCC 2093 Faith in God's love encompasses the
call and the obligation to respond with sincere love
1. I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before Me. to divine charity. The first commandment enjoins us
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. to love God above everything and all creatures for
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.​ him and because of him.
4. Honor your father and your mother.​ IN BRIEF
5. You shall not kill.​ ●​ CCC 2133 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your
6. You shall not commit adultery.​ heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deut
7. You shall not steal.​ 6:5).
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.​ ●​ CCC 2134 The first commandment summons man to believe
9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.​ in God, to hope in him, and to love him above all else.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.​ ●​ CCC 2135 "You shall worship the Lord your God" (Mt 4:10).
Adoring God, praying to him, offering him the worship that
belongs to him, fulfilling the promises and vows made to him
are acts of the virtue of religion which fall under obedience to
CHAPTER 11: FIRST THREE COMMANDMENTS the first commandment.
●​ CCC 2136 The duty to offer God authentic worship concerns
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT (CCC 2084-2131) man both as an individual and as a social being.
●​ CCC 2137 "Men of the present day want to profess their
"YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND HIM ONLY religion freely in private and in public" (DH 15).
SHALL YOU ●​ CCC 2138 Superstition is a departure from the worship that
SERVE" we give to the true God. It is manifested in idolatry, as well as
in various forms of divination and magic.
●​ Negative Form: You shall have no other gods before me. You ●​ CCC 2139 Tempting God in words or deeds, sacrilege, and
shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of simony are sins of irreligion forbidden by the first
anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth commandment.
beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not ●​ CCC 2140 Since it rejects or denies the existence of God,
bow down to them or worship them (Ex 20:3-5) atheism is a sin against the first commandment.
●​ Positive Form: Recognize, accept and worship only the One, ●​ CCC 2141 The veneration of sacred images is based on the
True God. mystery of the Incarnation of the Word of God. It is not
contrary to the first commandment.
●​ Explanation: This commandment is more than an affirmation
that there is but one God. It asserts that this one God is THE SECOND COMMANDMENT (CCC 2142- 2165)
unique, transcendent. Through revealed in and through “ You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
human history, this God is in fact the Lord of history, the Lord You have heard that it was said to the men of old, "You shall not
of life. The commandment requires us to recognize that this swear falsely. . But I say to you, Do not swear at all.
one God has offered us a special and unique relationship, a
continuing presence in every aspect of life. Not only must we I. THE NAME OF THE LORD IS HOLY
accept and recognize this but we “pay attention” to God and ●​ The second commandment prescribes respect for the Lord's
do nothing to sully the relationship. name. Like the first commandment, it belongs to the virtue of
religion and more particularly it governs our use of speech in
●​ Faith sacred matters.
○​ The first commandment requires us to nourish and ●​ Among all the words of Revelation, there is one which is
protect our faith with prudence and vigilance, and to unique: the revealed name of God. God confides his name to
reject everything that is opposed to it. There are those who believe in him; he reveals himself to them in his
various ways of sinning against faith: Voluntary personal mystery.
doubt about the faith disregards or refuses to hold ●​ The second commandment forbids the abuse of God's name,
as true what God has revealed and the Church i.e., every improper use of the names of God, Jesus Christ,
proposes for belief. Involuntary doubt refers to but also of the Virgin Mary and all the saints.

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 ●​ Promises made to others in God's name engage the divine ●​ The sabbath brings everyday work to a halt and provides a
honor, fidelity, truthfulness, and authority. They must be respite. It is a day of protest against the servitude of work and
respected in justice. To be unfaithful to them is to misuse the worship of money.
God's name and in some way to make God out to be a liar. ●​ The Gospel reports many incidents when Jesus was accused
●​ Blasphemy is directly opposed to the second commandment. of violating the sabbath law. But Jesus never fails to respect
It consists in uttering against God - inwardly or outwardly - the holiness of this day. He gives this law its authentic and
words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; in speaking ill of God; authoritative interpretation: "The sabbath was made for man,
in failing in respect toward him in one's speech; in misusing not man for the sabbath." With compassion, Christ declares
God's name. St. James condemns those "who blaspheme the sabbath for doing good rather than harm, for saving life
that honorable name [of Jesus] by which you are called." The rather than killing. The sabbath is the day of the Lord of
prohibition of blasphemy extends to language against Christ's mercies and a day to honor God. "The Son of Man is lord
Church, the saints, and sacred things. It is also blasphemous even of the sabbath."
to make use of God's name to cover up criminal practices, to
reduce peoples to servitude, to torture persons or put them to The Sunday obligation
death. The misuse of God's name to commit a crime can ●​ The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more
provoke others to repudiate religion. precisely: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the
faithful are bound to participate in the Mass." "The precept of
IN BRIEF participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass
●​ CCC 2160 "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the
the earth" (Ps 8:1) holy day or on the evening of the preceding day."
●​ CCC 2161 The second commandment enjoins respect for the ●​ "If because of lack of a sacred minister or for other grave
Lord's name. The name of the Lord is holy. cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is
●​ CCC 2162 The second commandment forbids every improper impossible, it is specially recommended that the faithful take
use of God's name. Blasphemy is the use of the name of part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated in the parish
God, of Jesus Christ, of the Virgin Mary, and of the saints in church or in another sacred place according to the
an offensive way. prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or engage in prayer for
●​ CCC 2163 False oaths call on God to be witness to a lie. an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family or, as
Perjury is a grave offence against the Lord who is always occasion offers, in groups of families." A day of grace and rest
faithful to his promises. from work Just as God "rested on the seventh day from all his
●​ CCC 2164 "Do not swear whether by the Creator, or any work which he had done," human life has a rhythm of work
creature, except truthfully, of necessity, and with reverence" and rest. The institution of the Lord's Day helps everyone
(St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises, 38). enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial,
●​ CCC 2165 In Baptism, the Christian receives his name in the cultural, social, and religious lives.
Church. Parents, godparents, and the pastor are to see that ●​ Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort.
he be given a Christian name. The patron saint provides a Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands
model of charity and the assurance of his prayer. on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's
●​ CCC 2166 The Christian begins his prayers and activities with Day.
the Sign of the Cross: "in the name of the Father and of the ●​ Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social
Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to
●​ CCC 2167 God calls each one by name (cf. Isa 43:1). work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set
aside sufficient time for leisure. With temperance and charity
THE THIRD COMMANDMENT (CCC 2168 – 2195) the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and
I. THE SABBATH DAY violence sometimes associated with popular leisure activities.
●​ CCC 2168 The third commandment of the Decalogue recalls In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should
the holiness of the sabbath: "The seventh day is a sabbath of ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship.
solemn rest, holy to the LORD." In speaking of the sabbath Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.
Scripture recalls creation: "For in six days the LORD made ●​ In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all,
heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested Christians should seek recognition of Sundays and the
the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day Church's holy days as legal holidays. They have to give
and hallowed it." everyone a public example of prayer, respect, and joy and
●​ Scripture also reveals in the Lord's day a memorial of Israel's defend their traditions as a precious contribution to the
liberation from bondage in Egypt: "You shall remember that spiritual life of society. If a country's legislation or other
you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your reasons require work on Sunday, the day should nevertheless
God brought you out thence with mighty hand and be lived as the day of our deliverance which lets us share in
outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded this "festal gathering," this "assembly of the firstborn who are
you to keep the sabbath day." enrolled in heaven.
●​ God entrusted the sabbath to Israel to keep as a sign of the
irrevocable covenant. The sabbath is for the Lord, holy and IN BRIEF
set apart for the praise of God, his work of creation, and his ●​ CCC 2189 "Observe the sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Deut
saving actions on behalf of Israel. God's action is the model 5:12). "The seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to
for human action. If God "rested and was refreshed" on the the Lord" (Ex 31:15).
seventh day, man too ought to "rest" and should let others, ●​ CCC 2190 The sabbath, which represented the completion of
especially the poor, "be refreshed." the first creation, has been replaced by Sunday which recalls
the new creation inaugurated by the Resurrection of Christ.

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 ●​ CCC 2191 The Church celebrates the day of Christ's Jesus said: Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is
Resurrection on the "eighth day," Sunday, which is rightly worthy of me (Mt.10:37).
called the Lord's Day (cf. SC 106).
●​ CCC 2192 "Sunday . . . is to be observed as the foremost ●​ To obey an evil authority. We must disobey our parents,
holy day of obligation in the universal teachers, and superiors when they order us to do something
●​ Church" (CIC, can. 1246 § 1). "On Sundays and other holy against the will of God. For example, we have to disobey the
days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the civil authorities when they allow us to commit abortion,
Mass" (CIC, can. 1247). divorce and artificial birth control. God said: Obedience to
●​ CCC 2193 "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the God comes before obedience to men (Acts5:29).
faithful are bound . . . to abstain from those labors and
business concerns which impede the worship to be rendered THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
to God, the joy which is proper to the Lord's Day, or the Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in
proper relaxation of mind and body" (CIC, can. 1247). the land which the Lord your God gives you.
●​ CCC 2194 The institution of Sunday helps all "to be allowed
sufficient rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, He was obedient to them.
social, and religious lives" (GS 67 § 3).
●​ CCC 2195 Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary The Lord Jesus himself recalled the force of this "commandment of
demands on others that would hinder them from observing God."The Apostle teaches: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for
the Lord's Day. this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' (This is the first
commandment with a promise.) 'that it may be well with you and that
you may live long on the earth."'

LESSON 12 The fourth commandment opens the second table of the Decalogue. It
shows us the order of charity. God has willed that, after him, we should
●​ Honor your father and your mother so that you may have honor our parents to whom we owe life and who have handed on to us
long life in the land that Yahweh your God has given to the knowledge of God. We are obliged to honor and respect all those
you. (Ex. 20: 12) whom God, for our good, has vested with his authority. 2197
●​ My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve
him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be This commandment is expressed in positive terms of duties to be
considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of fulfilled. It introduces the subsequent commandments which are
your strength. (Sir. 3:12f ) concerned with particular respect for life, marriage, earthly goods, and
speech. It constitutes one of the foundations of the social doctrine of the
●​ The Fourth Commandment enjoins parents to care for and Church. 2198
respect their children as persons in their own right. They have
the duty to provide the needs for their children as far as they The fourth commandment is addressed expressly to children in their
can, especially for their proper education as Christians. relationship to their father and mother, because this relationship is the
Family most universal. It likewise concerns the ties of kinship between
●​ A “Covenant relationship,” established by God in creation, members of the extended family. It requires honor, affection, and
bringing out the “more” of family love. gratitude toward elders and ancestors. Finally, it extends to the duties of
●​ the first and vital cell of society and the Church. pupils to teachers, employees to employers, subordinates to leaders,
citizens to their country, and to those who administer or govern it. 2199
Family as a Covenant
●​ The family is a community of love: of brothers and sisters with This commandment includes and presupposes the duties of parents,
one another of relatives and other members of the instructors, teachers, leaders, magistrates, those who govern, all who
households exercise authority over others or over a community of persons.
Commands Observing the fourth commandment brings its reward: "Honor your
●​ To honor our parents. We must love, respect, and obey our father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which
parents, because from them we receive our life. God said: the LORD your God gives you." Respecting this commandment
With all your heart honor your father, never forget the provides, along with spiritual fruits, temporal fruits of peace and
birthpangs of your mother. Remember that you owe your birth prosperity. Conversely, failure to observe it brings great harm to
to them; how can you repay them for what they have done for communities and to individuals. 2200
you? (Ecc.7:27f)
●​ To honor the religious and civil authority. Jesus commands us I. THE FAMILY IN GOD'S PLAN
to respect our priests, teachers and civil authorities, because The nature of the family
every authority comes from God. Scripture says: You must all
obey the governing authorities…. (Rom.13:1f). ●​ The conjugal community is established upon the consent of
Forbids the spouses. Marriage and the family are ordered to the good
●​ To dishonor and disobey our parents. God said: Children, of the spouses and to the procreation and education of
be obedient to your parents always (Col.3:20). Whoever children. The love of the spouses and the begetting of
abandons his own parents in their old age, will have to give a children create among members of the same family personal
bitter account on the judgment day. relationships and primordial responsibilities. 2201
●​ A man and a woman united in marriage, together with their
●​ To love our parents more than God. This is true especially children, form a family. This institutionis prior to any
for those who are called to the priestly and religious vocation. recognition by public authority, which has an obligation to
recognize it. It should be considered the normal reference

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 point by which the different forms of family relationship are to ●​ The fourth commandment reminds grown children of their
be evaluated. 2202 responsibilities toward their parents.
●​ In creating man and woman, God instituted the human family ●​ As much as they can, they must give them material and
and endowed it with its fundamental constitution. Its members moral support in old age and in times of illness, loneliness, or
are persons equal in dignity. For the common good of its distress. Jesus recalls this duty of gratitude.
members and of society, the family necessarily has manifold ●​ For the Lord honored the father above the children, and he
responsibilities, rights, and duties. 2203 confirmed the right of the mother over her sons. Whoever
honors his father atones for sins, and whoever glorifies his
The Christian family mother is like one who lays up treasure. Whoever honors his
●​ "The Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and father will be gladdened by his own children, and when he
realization of ecclesial communion, and for this reason it can prays he will be heard. Whoever glorifies his father will have
and should be called a domestic church." It is a community of long life, and whoever obeys the Lord will refresh his mother.
faith, hope, and charity; it assumes singular importance in the O son, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him
Church, as is evident in the New Testament. 2204 as long as he lives; even if he is lacking in understanding,
●​ The Christian family is a communion of persons, a sign and show forbearance; in all your strength do not despise him. . . .
image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Whoever forsakes his father is like a blasphemer, and
Holy Spirit. In the procreation and education of children it whoever angers his mother is cursed by the Lord.2218
reflects the Father's work of creation. It is called to partake of ●​ Filial respect promotes harmony in all of family life; it also
the prayer and sacrifice of Christ. Daily prayer and the concerns relationships between brothers and sisters. Respect
reading of the Word of God strengthen it in charity. The toward parents fills the home with light and warmth.
Christian family has an evangelizing and missionary task. "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged." "With all humility
2205 and meekness, with patience, [support] one another in
●​ The relationships within the family bring an affinity of feelings, charity." 2219
affections and interests, arising above all from the members' ●​ For Christians a special gratitude is due to those from whom
respect for one another. The family is a privileged community they have received the gift of faith, the grace of Baptism, and
called to achieve a "sharing of thought and common life in the Church. These may include parents, grandparents,
deliberation by the spouses as well as their eager cooperation other members of the family, pastors, catechists, and other
as parents in the children's upbringing."2206 teachers or friends. "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a
faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother
THE DUTIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you." 2220
The duties of children
●​ The divine fatherhood is the source of human fatherhood; this The duties of parents
is the foundation of the honor owed to parents. The respect of ●​ The fecundity of conjugal love cannot be reduced solely to the
children, whether minors or adults, for their father and mother procreation of children, but must extend to their moral
is nourished by the natural affection born of the bond uniting education and their spiritual formation. "The role of parents in
them. It is required by God's commandment. 2214 education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to
●​ Respect for parents (filial piety) derives from gratitude toward provide an adequate substitute." The right and the duty of
those who, by the gift of life, their love and their work, have parents to educate their children are primordial and
brought their children into the world and enabled them to grow inalienable.2221
in stature, wisdom, and grace. "With all your heart honor your ●​ Parents must regard their children as children of God and
father, and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother. respect them as human persons. Showing themselves
Remember that through your parents you were born; what obedient to the will of the Father in heaven, they educate their
can you give back to them that equals their gift to you?"2215 children to fulfill God's law. 2222
●​ Filial respect is shown by true docility and obedience. "My ●​ Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their
son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by
mother's teaching. . . . When you walk, they will lead you; creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect,
when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is
awake, they will talk with you." "A wise son hears his father's well suited for education in the virtues. This requires an
instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke."2216 apprenticeship in self-denial, sound judgment, and
●​ As long as a child lives at home with his parents, the child self-mastery - the preconditions of all true freedom. Parents
should obey his parents in all that they ask of him when it is should teach their children to subordinate the "material and
for his good or that of the family. "Children, obey your parents instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones." Parents
in everything, for this pleases the Lord." Children should also have a grave responsibility to give good example to their
obey the reasonable directions of their teachers and all to children. By knowing how to acknowledge their own failings to
whom their parents have entrusted them. But if a child is their children, parents will be better able to guide and correct
convinced in conscience that it would be morally wrong to them: He who loves his son will not spare the rod. . . . He who
obey a particular order, he must not do so. 2217 disciplines his son will profit by him. Fathers, do not provoke
your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and
●​ As they grow up, children should continue to respect their instruction of the Lord. 2223
parents. They should anticipate their wishes, willingly seek ●​ The home is the natural environment for initiating a human
their advice, and accept their just admonitions. Obedience being into solidarity and communal responsibilities. Parents
toward parents ceases with the emancipation of the children; should teach children to avoid the compromising and
not so respect, which is always owed to them. This respect degrading influences which threaten human societies. 2224
has its roots in the fear of God, one of the gifts of the Holy ●​ Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents
Spirit. receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their

5
 children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age brother, and sister, and mother." Parents should welcome and
into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the "first respect with joy and thanksgiving the Lord's call to one of their
heralds" for their children. They should associate them from children to follow him in virginity for the sake of the Kingdom
their tenderest years with the life of the Church.34 A in the consecrated life or in priestly ministry. 223
wholesome family life can foster interior dispositions that are
a genuine preparation for a living faith and remain a support V. THE AUTHORITIES IN CIVIL SOCIETY
for it throughout one's life. 2225 ●​ God's fourth commandment also enjoins us to honor all who
●​ Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the for our good have received authority in society from God. It
child's earliest years. This already happens when family clarifies the duties of those who exercise authority as well as
members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a those who benefit from it. 2234
Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis
precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of IN BRIEF
instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching ●​ "Honor your father and your mother" (Deut 5:16; Mk 7:10).
their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children CCC 2247 According to the fourth commandment, God has
of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart willed that, after him, we should honor our parents and those
of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place whom he has vested with authority for our good. 2248
for the catechesis of children and parents. 2226 ●​ The conjugal community is established upon the covenant
●​ Children in turn contribute to the growth in holiness of their and consent of the spouses. Marriage and family are ordered
parents. Each and everyone should be generous and tireless to the good of the spouses, to the procreation and the
in forgiving one another for offenses, quarrels, injustices, and education of children. 2249
neglect. Mutual affection suggests this. The charity of Christ ●​ "The well-being of the individual person and of both human
demands it. 2227 and Christian society is closely bound up with the healthy
●​ Parents' respect and affection are expressed by the care and state of conjugal and family life" (GS 47 § 1). 2250
attention they devote to bringing up their young children and ●​ Children owe their parents respect, gratitude, just obedience,
providing for their physical and spiritual needs. As the children and assistance. Filial respect fosters harmony in all of family
grow up, the same respect and devotion lead parents to life. 2251
educate them in the right use of their reason and freedom. ●​ Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their
2228 children
●​ As those first responsible for the education of their children,
parents have the right to choose a school for them which LESSON 13:
corresponds to their own convictions. This right is THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT (CCC 2258-2330)
fundamental. As far as possible parents have the duty of You shall not kill.
choosing schools that will best help them in their task as You have heard that it was said to the men of old, "You shall not
Christian educators. Public authorities have the duty of kill: and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment." But I say to you
guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to
conditions for its exercise. 2229 judgment. 2258
●​ When they become adults, children have the right and duty to
choose their profession and state of life. They should assume ●​ "Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves
their new responsibilities within a trusting relationship with the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special
their parents, willingly asking and receiving their advice and relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is
counsel. Parents should be careful not to exert pressure on the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can
their children either in the choice of a profession or in that of a under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to
spouse. This necessary restraint does not prevent them - destroy an innocent human being."
quite the contrary from giving their children judicious advice,
particularly when they are planning to start a family. 2230 I. RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE
●​ Some forgo marriage in order to care for their parents or ●​ The witness of sacred history In the account of Abel's murder
brothers and sisters, to give themselves more completely to a by his brother Cain, Scripture reveals the presence of anger
profession, or to serve other honorable ends. They can and envy in man, consequences of original sin, from the
contribute greatly to the good of the human family. 2231 beginning of human history. Man has become the enemy of
his fellow man. God declares the wickedness of this fratricide:
IV. THE FAMILY AND THE KINGDOM1 "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is
●​ Family ties are important but not absolute. Just as the child crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from
grows to maturity and human and spiritual autonomy, so his the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your
unique vocation which comes from God asserts itself more brother's blood from your hand."
clearly and forcefully. Parents should respect this call and ●​ Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve
encourage their children to follow it. They must be convinced special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be
that the first vocation of the Christian is to follow Jesus: "He helped to lead lives as normal as possible. Whatever its
who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an
and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is
of me." 2232 morally unacceptable.
●​ Becoming a disciple of Jesus means accepting the invitation ●​ Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes
to belong to God's family, to live in conformity with His way of death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder
life: "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the
respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of
1 judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not

6
 change the nature of this murderous act, which must always helped by the prayer of their relatives, who must see to it that
be forbidden and excluded. the sick receive at the proper time the sacraments that
●​ Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given prepare them to meet the living God.
it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. ●​ The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and
We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the
honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of
owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.
dispose of. ●​ Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or
scientific research. The free gift of organs after death is
II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS legitimate and can be meritorious.
●​ Respect for the souls of others: scandal ●​ The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not
●​ Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.
evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor's
tempter. He damages virtue and integrity; he may even draw
his brother into spiritual death. Scandal is a grave offense if
by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave III. SAFEGUARDING PEACE
offense. Peace
●​ Scandal takes on a particular gravity by reason of the ●​ Anger is a desire for revenge. "To desire vengeance in order
authority of those who cause it or the weakness of those who to do evil to someone who should be punished is illicit," but it
are scandalized. It prompted our Lord to utter this curse: is praiseworthy to impose restitution "to correct vices and
"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to maintain justice." If anger reaches the point of a deliberate
sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone desire to kill or seriously wound a neighbor, it is gravely
fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the against charity; it is a mortal sin. The Lord says, "Everyone
sea." Scandal is grave when given by those who by nature or who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment."
office are obliged to teach and educate others. ●​ Deliberate hatred is contrary to charity. Hatred of the neighbor
●​ Jesus reproaches the scribes and Pharisees on this account: is a sin when one deliberately wishes him evil. Hatred of the
he likens them to wolves in sheep's clothing. neighbor is a grave sin when one deliberately desires him
●​ Scandal can be provoked by laws or institutions, by fashion or grave harm. "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for
opinion. those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your
Father who is in heaven."
Respect for health ●​ Respect for and development of human life require peace.
●​ Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to
God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace
account the needs of others and the common good. cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of
●​ Concern for the health of its citizens requires that society help persons, free communication among men, respect for the
in the attainment of living-conditions that allow them to grow dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of
and reach maturity: food and clothing, housing, health care, fraternity. Peace is "the tranquility of order." Peace is the work
basic education, employment, and social assistance. of justice and the effect of charity.
●​ Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a
significant expression of man's dominion over creation. Avoiding war
Science and technology are precious resources when placed ●​ The fifth commandment forbids the intentional destruction of
at the service of man and promote his integral development human life. Because of the evils and injustices that
for the benefit of all. By themselves however they cannot accompany all war, the Church insistently urges everyone to
disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress. prayer and to action so that the divine Goodness may free us
Science and technology are ordered to man, from whom they from the ancient bondage of war.
take their origin and development; hence they find in the ●​ The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force
person and in his moral values both evidence of their purpose require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision
and awareness of their limits. makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At
one and the same time:
Respect for bodily integrity ○​ - the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the
●​ Kidnapping and hostage taking bring on a reign of terror; by nation or community of nations must be lasting,
means of threats they subject their victims to intolerable grave, and certain;
pressures. They are morally wrong. Terrorism threatens, ○​ - all other means of putting an end to it must have
wounds, and kills indiscriminately; it is gravely against justice been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
and charity. Torture which uses physical or moral violence to ○​ - there must be serious prospects of success;
extract confessions, punish the guilty, frighten opponents, or ○​ - the use of arms must not produce evils and
satisfy hatred is contrary to respect for the person and for disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The
human dignity. Except when performed for strictly therapeutic power of modem means of destruction weighs very
medical reasons, directly intended amputations, mutilations, heavily in evaluating this condition.
and sterilizations performed on innocent persons are against ●​ These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is
the moral law. called the "just war" doctrine. The evaluation of these
conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential
Respect for the dead judgment of those who have responsibility for the common
●​ The dying should be given attention and care to help them good.
live their last moments in dignity and peace. They will be

7
 ●​ Public authorities, in this case, have the right and duty to ●​ Effects: elation, gladness, and
impose on citizens the obligations necessary for national joy
defense. ●​ Examples: alcohol, tobacco,
●​ Those who are sworn to serve their country in the armed coffee, tea, heroine, cocaine,
forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations. If marijuana, LSD, and
they carry out their duty honorably, they truly contribute to the amphetamines
common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace. ●​ Drugs are judged according to
●​ Public authorities should make equitable provision for those their effects on human life.
who for reasons of conscience refuse to bear arms; these are ●​ The immorality of drugs would
nonetheless obliged to serve the human community in some surface if they are used outside
other way. their purpose.
●​ The Church and human reason both assert the permanent ●​ Excessive and untimely use of
validity of the moral law during armed conflict. "The mere fact drugs could ruin the human
that war has regrettably broken out does not mean that person
everything becomes licit between the warring parties." ●​ Many violence against human
●​ Non-combatants, wounded soldiers, and prisoners must be life are drug- related.
respected and treated humanely. Actions deliberately contrary ●​ Suicide
to the law of nations and to its universal principles are crimes, ○​ It is defined as the direct killing of oneself on one’s
as are the orders that command such actions. Blind own authority.
obedience does not suffice to excuse those who carry them ○​ To kill oneself; the agent of death is the person
out. Thus the extermination of a people, nation, or ethnic himself.
minority must be condemned as a mortal sin. One is morally ○​ The terrible act of taking one’s own life.
bound to resist orders that command genocide. ○​ It goes against basic human instinct for life
●​ "Every act of war directed to the indiscriminate destruction of ○​ It is an immoral total cessation of a God-given life.
whole cities or vast areas with their inhabitants is a crime ○​ All self-voluntary acts that cause death is suicide
against God and man, which merits firm and unequivocal and, therefore, immoral.
condemnation." A danger of modern warfare is that it provides ○​ Any self-destructive act causes pain in people who
the opportunity to those who possess modern scientific love us.
weapons especially atomic, biological, or chemical weapons - ●​ Murder
to commit such crimes. ○​ A direct killing of an innocent person
●​ Injustice, excessive economic or social inequalities, envy, ○​ a direct voluntary act of killing
distrust, and pride raging among men and nations constantly ○​ A person who kills an unlawful aggressor
threaten peace and cause wars. Everything done to ■​ in self-defense does not commit murder.
overcome these disorders contributes to building up peace ○​ Murder is immoral since it violates the right of God
and avoiding war: Insofar as men are sinners, the threat of ■​ over human life and the right of the State
war hangs over them and will so continue until Christ comes to preserve
again; but insofar as they can vanquish sin by coming ■​ justice and public safety.
together in charity, violence itself will be vanquished and ●​ Self-defense
these words will be fulfilled: "they shall beat their swords into ○​ Self-defense is not a duty but a right
plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall ○​ the right to defend ourselves from any unjust attack
not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war of an aggressor.
any more." ○​ Five conditions to consider in self-defense:
■​ the motive in self-defense should not be
Additional considerations hatred or revenge.
SOCIAL ISSUES: ■​ physical force should be employed only
●​ Bioethics at the time of the attack (the attack is
○​ the systematic study of human conduct in the areas actual not just a threat)
of the life sciences and health care. ■​ physical force should be employed only
○​ Bioethics exclusively belongs to medical ethics. when there is no other way of repelling
○​ Bioethical conduct must be duly examined from the the attack
viewpoint of moral values and principles. moral & ■​ no more injury should be inflicted than
legal? what is necessary to avert actual danger
●​ Drug Addiction ●​ death of the aggressor not be
○​ Drugs are defined as chemicals that when taken the direct goal of self-defense
will influence the mind and change the behavior, ●​ if possible, the aggressor
mood, and mental functioning of the person. should only be physically
○​ Classification of Drugs: incapacitated or knocked
■​ a. Therapeutic drugs = are meant to cure unconscious; there is no need
illness to kill the aggressor
■​ b. Nontherapeutic drugs: ●​ the aggression is unjust
●​ are meant for personal ●​ Abortion
enjoyment or pleasure, ○​ It is an expulsion of an embryo or a nonviable fetus
recreation, and from the body of a pregnant woman with the
self-transcendence purposes resulting death of the embryo or the fetus. The

8
 deliberate ejection of a non-viable fetus from the
mother’s womb.
○​ The killing of an innocent human being.
○​ Human life begins at fertilization or conception.
●​ Mutilation
○​ Mutilation is meant any action performed to injure
or destroy some part or function of the body
intended to lessen the integrity of the body.
○​ Minor mutilation means any act performed to lessen
the sum total of the body which does not include
the destruction of the functional integrity of the
human body
■​ ex. tooth extraction, circumcision,
tonsillectomy.
●​ Artificial Insemination:
○​ In Vitro Fertilization & Surrogate Motherhood
○​ Artificial insemination: means any impregnation not
by means of natural intercourse, but by means of
mechanical, artificial aids.
●​ Masturbation
○​ the deliberate stimulation of the genitals to derive
sexual pleasure (solitary sex)
○​ through which the sperm is normally obtained for
IVF, is another sign of the dissociation of two
meanings of conjugal act: UNITIVE &
PROCREATIVE even if it is done for the purpose of
procreation.
●​ Euthanasia (Painless Death)
○​ In the strict sense is understood to be an action or
omission which of itself and by intention causes
death, with the purpose of eliminating all suffering.
○​ The intentional killing of the handicapped & the
terminally ill.
○​ Direct euthanasia is the intentional killing of a
tormented, incurable patient by lethal agents or
means.
○​ Indirect or passive euthanasia is the facilitation of
death by means of sedatives and narcotics with a
shortening of life as a side effect.
●​ CAPITAL PUNISHMENT or Death Penalty
○​ seems to perpetuate the cycle of violence;
○​ cancels all possibility of reform;
○​ has not been proven to be a hindrance to the
escalation of crime.