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Understanding Natural Law and Catholic Morality

Natural law is believed to exist independently of human will and is inherent in human nature. It is universal and aims for natural and supernatural happiness. The Magisterium has the function of faithfully guarding Catholic doctrine and interpreting the Bible and traditions for modern issues. It consists of the Pope and bishops who explain beliefs in the Catechism and ensure teachings are passed down. Sensus fidei is a spiritual instinct that helps believers discern if teachings conform with the Gospel. It comes from faith and guides the Church in new circumstances by interpreting signs of the times in light of God's word.

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Julie Cairo
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12 views2 pages

Understanding Natural Law and Catholic Morality

Natural law is believed to exist independently of human will and is inherent in human nature. It is universal and aims for natural and supernatural happiness. The Magisterium has the function of faithfully guarding Catholic doctrine and interpreting the Bible and traditions for modern issues. It consists of the Pope and bishops who explain beliefs in the Catechism and ensure teachings are passed down. Sensus fidei is a spiritual instinct that helps believers discern if teachings conform with the Gospel. It comes from faith and guides the Church in new circumstances by interpreting signs of the times in light of God's word.

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Julie Cairo
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© All Rights Reserved
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Self Help 5

1. Natural law is believed to exist independently of human will. It is ‘natural’


in the sense that it is not humanly created. It is a law, which is inherent in the
nature of man and is independent of conventions, legislation, or any other
institutional device. It is a philosophy that certain rights or values are inherent
by virtue of human nature and universally identifiable through human reason.
It is man’s sense of justice, fairness, and righteousness that is formed
through internal dictates.

Natural law is based on “being” or the concept of existence. The basis of


natural law is our shared human nature as human beings. Our collective
inclinations dictate natural law. It is also universal, as it is based on human
nature, it applies universally to all of humanity, regardless of culture or belief.
Natural law is also geared towards an end or a purpose, may it be natural
happiness in life, and through God’s grace— supernatural happiness in the life
to come. These three characterize what natural law is and defines the role it
plays in our lives as human beings.

2. The Magisterium has the function of faithfully guarding and declaring


infallibly the doctrine of faith which God has revealed. The Magisterium
protects the Word of God and explains how it must be lived in the present
world. It takes up the responsibility to interpret the bible and the apostolic
traditions for Catholics. It uses the bible and apostolic tradition to teach
Catholics how to view and act regarding modern moral issues, which was not
present when the bible was written. The teaching of the church is updated
but does not and will never change the apostolic tradition.

The Magisterium consists of the Pope and the bishops he elects to help him
protect and explain the teachings of Jesus in each generation. They explain
beliefs which are presented in written form in the catechism (a book that
outlines what Catholics must believe). It provides clear guidance for catholic
on what to believe and how to behave as a Catholic in today's world. The
Magisterium also passes on its teaching to new bishops, who in turn pass
them to all parish priests. This makes sure that all laypeople (laity) are fully
informed about the teachings of the Catholic Church.

3. Sensus fidei is a spiritual instinct that capacitates believers to view


particular teaching or practice and judge whether it is or is not conforming
with the Gospel and the apostolic faith. It is linked to our virtue of faith itself,
it comes from and is connected to faith. Faith enables the believer to
participate in the knowledge that God has of Himself and all things. In the
believer, it takes the form of second nature. It is perceived to be instinctual
as it is not anchored in rational deliberation but from a natural knowledge and
spontaneity. It is a free answer to the proclamation of the word of God, a gift
of the Holy Spirit to be received by those who truly believe in Him. 
Sensus fidei is important in the life of the Church because there are new
circumstances that need to be met and constantly confronted. Due to the
progress of knowledge and culture and challenges of human history, they
have to read the sign of the times and interpret those in light of the divine
Word for the truth to be revealed and better understood. In this process
sensus fidei plays a role of giving an intuition as to the right step forward,
amid ambiguity and uncertainty in history, and listens discerningly to the
voice of science and culture, animating the life of faith and guides authentic
Christian action.

Submitted by: Julie D. Cairo BSA2


Subject: ReEd3 Our Restless Hearts: An Introduction to Doing Catholic
Morality
Subject Code: 16069
Professor: Mr. Sergio M. Sarza

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