Lesson 5:

Moral Norms and

Conscience
Prepared by:
Mr. Esmhel B. Briones
Lesson 5:
Moral Norms and Conscience
Law

It is define as “an ordinance of reason, promulgated by competent

authority for the sake of the common good.” (St. Thomas Aquinas,
ST, I-II, 90,4)
Law has two characteristics. First, law is based on vision and certain
presuppositions; second , law arises from and express basic values.
This is clearly exemplified in the Ten Commandments…” (CFC, 802)
The first characteristic speaks of the truth that what is happening is
tending towards the realization of the plan of the Father
The second characteristic explains that the law is made by competent
authority (as interpreted from the eternal/divine law) to protect and
uphold certain values.
Lesson 5:
Moral Norms and Conscience
Importance of Law
Moral norms are needed for several reasons:
First, they provide criteria for judging who we are and how we
should act.
Second, moral norms/laws help our moral development,
especially the formation of conscience, by expressing typical
patterns of moral behavior and human values.
Third, they provide stability and consistency in our lives by acting
as a constant and reliable point of reference
Lastly, positive norms/laws can also challenge us by stretching us
in view of an ideal, or correcting us by illuminating our faults.”

“The law is good, provided one uses it in the way law is supposed to
be used.” (1 Tim. 1:8)
Lesson 5:
Moral Norms and Conscience
Laws and Values
Moral Norms are grounded on certain values
Value refers to those which have worth, goodness,
significance or importance.
The law punishes not only to bring justice to the
offended but to uphold the value of one’s reputation.
As Christians, our moral norm is the person of Jesus
Christ. (Mt. 23:10, Mt 11:29)
Lesson 5:
Moral Norms and Conscience
Conscience
“It is a judgment of reason whereby the human person
recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is
going to perform, is in the process of performing, or
has already completed” (CCC, 1778)
Formation of Conscience
Three factors are essential in the formation of our
conscience – faith, prayer and practice.
“The desire to do right is there, but not the power. What
happens is that I do not do the good I will to do, but
the evil I do not intend.” (Rom. 7:18b-19)
Lesson 5:
Moral Norms and Conscience
Life’s Response: the following are some of the things
that may help you learn to become responsible with
your decisions and actions.
Lovingly obey your parents.
Trustingly follow your adviser, teachers, and school
administrators.
Study, practice and pray.
Always reflect on moral choices and experiences.
End of Lesson