Studies in Catholic Thought - Task 2 - Dominic McLachlan

Identify ethical sources that guide Catholics in their moral decision making

The Catholic Church provides a wide range of sources for the Catholic to guide and inform their moral decision making. Foremost of these is the deposit of faith. The deposit of faith is the combination of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition which guides all doctrine within the Church. Sacred Scripture refers to the Bible, which is composed of 73 books, defined in 382 AD by Pope Damascus I at the Council of Rome, followed by being reaffirmed in 393 at the Council of Hippo and 397 at the Council of Carthage. St. Paul of Tarsus expounds scripture as being able to guide the faithful in their moral decision in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, stating, “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” Further, he affirms the combination of scripture and tradition in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 in writing, “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.” Where of course, tradition is formed of church doctrine, councils, declarations, revealed truths, which are also able to guide the faithful in prudent decision making. Ethical sources also include consulting with trusted and knowledgeable individuals, such as priests and others who are able to provide much more personalised and localised advice. Further, in some cases which allow nothing else, the faithful can rely upon their own reason, due to the teaching of natural law. First brought to the mainstream by St. Augustine of Hippo, who posited the concept of the divine moral law being etched in the hearts of all individuals.