Catholic Principles: Virtues, Morals, and Social Teachings
Catholic School Teaching
Catholic school teaching mixes learning with Catholic beliefs. The founding principle of Catholic school teachings is to educate students in faith, knowledge, and moral values based on Catholic teachings.
Virtues
Virtues are good qualities that help people live right. The two types are:
- Cardinal virtues: Good judgment, fairness, courage, and self-control.
- Theological virtues: Belief, hope, and love.
Morals
Morals are rules about right and wrong behavior.
Conscience
Conscience is the inner guide for right and wrong.
Moral Virtues
All moral virtues depend on good habits and making wise choices.
Cardinal Virtues
| Cardinal Virtue | Description of Virtue | Example of Virtues |
|---|---|---|
| Prudence | The ability to judge right from wrong and make good decisions. | Deciding to study before going out. |
| Justice | Giving others what they are due and treating them fairly. | Being fair in sharing resources. |
| Fortitude | Courage to face challenges and endure hardships. | Standing up for someone being bullied. |
| Temperance | Self-control and moderation in all things. | Avoiding overeating or excessive spending. |
Theological Virtues
| Theological Virtue | Description of Virtue | Example of Virtues |
|---|---|---|
| Faith | Believing in God and all He has revealed. | Trusting in God’s plan during tough times. |
| Hope | Expecting and desiring God’s promises, especially eternal life. | Staying hopeful even in difficult situations. |
| Charity (Love) | Loving God above all things and loving others as ourselves. | Helping others without expecting anything in return. |
Types of Love
| Type of Love | Definition |
|---|---|
| Agape | Selfless, unconditional love, often associated with God’s love for humanity. |
| Eros | Romantic, passionate love, typically between partners. |
| Philia | Brotherly love or deep friendship based on mutual respect and affection. |
| Storge | Familial love, the natural affection between parents and children. |
Discipleship
Discipleship is following and learning from Jesus Christ.
Aspects of Discipleship
| Aspect of Discipleship | Definition |
|---|---|
| Faith | Trusting and believing in Jesus and His teachings. |
| Obedience | Following God’s commands and living according to His will. |
| Service | Helping others and sharing God’s love through actions. |
Jesus’s First Disciples
Fishermen: Peter, Andrew, James, John
Conscience
Conscience is the inner sense of right and wrong. We can inform it by studying moral teachings, praying, and reflecting on our actions.
Moral Decisions
A moral decision is a choice made based on what is right or wrong, guided by values and ethics.
4 Steps of Decision-Making Model
| 4 Steps of Decision-Making Model | Description of Step |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify the Decision | Recognize that a decision needs to be made. |
| 2. Gather Information | Collect relevant facts and details to make an informed choice. |
| 3. Evaluate Alternatives | Consider different options and their potential outcomes. |
| 4. Make the Decision | Choose the best option and take action based on your evaluation. |
Moral Issue: Cheating on a Test
| 4 Steps of Moral Decision-Making Model | Description of Step |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify the Decision | Realize that you are faced with the choice to cheat or to study honestly for the test. |
| 2. Gather Information | Consider the consequences of cheating (e.g., guilt, punishment, harm to your integrity) and the benefits of studying honestly (e.g., personal growth, long-term success). |
| 3. Evaluate Alternatives | Weigh the options: cheating may offer a quick solution but damages your integrity; studying may take time but leads to a more honest outcome. |
| 4. Make the Decision | Decide to study honestly and take the test based on your preparation, valuing integrity over short-term gain. |
Being a Disciple of Jesus
If I were a disciple of Jesus, I would describe myself as someone who follows His teachings with humility and love, always striving to reflect His example in my life.
I would act with kindness, compassion, and a deep desire to serve others, making sure to help those in need and show forgiveness.
What I would do is share the message of hope and salvation, helping others grow in their faith.
How I would behave would be with integrity, patience, and self-control, seeking peace and harmony in every situation.
How I would talk would be with honesty, always encouraging others and speaking words of truth and hope.
Lastly, what I would avoid is selfishness, dishonesty, hatred, and anything that harms others or goes against the teachings of Jesus.
Catholic Social Teaching
| Catholic Social Teaching | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Life and Dignity | Every person deserves respect and protection. | Opposing abortion, supporting human rights. |
| 2. Call to Family & Community | People have a duty to contribute to society. | Volunteering, supporting family values. |
| 3. Rights and Responsibilities | Rights come with responsibilities to others. | Access to education, healthcare, safety. |
| 4. Option for the Poor | Society must care for the poor and vulnerable. | Donating to food banks, sheltering the homeless. |
| 5. Dignity of Work | Work is essential for dignity and rights. | Fair wages, safe working conditions. |
| 6. Solidarity | We are all part of one human family. | Supporting refugees, global justice. |
| 7. Care for Creation | We must protect the environment. | Recycling, conserving resources. |