Experiential Sources of Moral Theology
Natural
Moral Law
Traditional Principles
Conscience
5 natural inclinations
- Inclination to procreate.
- Inclination to know the Truth
- Inclination to community
- Inclination to preserve being.
- Inclination to the Good.
Must be formed properly over time.
Not an excuse for immorality or laxity
Can cause invincible ignorance.
Pinckaers seems to have a negative view of the current use of the conscience. He seems to have a negative view on how contemporary theologians are using the conscience as an excuse to permit any immoral action. Of course, one must form his or her conscience, but in the end, one must trust one's conscience. I do not think that his suspicion is helpful in this discussion of discernment and conscience.
Involves discernment.
Interior human knowledge of good and evil.
"...ambiguity that arises when one so closely associates conscience with one's personal opinion, which is often self-justifying."
"One sign that helps us distinguish true from false conscience is certainly that true conscience always present a challenge, like the steep and narrow way of the Gospel."
"The pagans can both know God by his works and know the moral law written in their heart."
All moral expectations are possible
No agent is to be held to a moral standard which is impossible. God will provide the grace to do the moral act.
Double Effect
Pinckaers is scarce in his covering of the traditional principles such as Double Effect and Totality in this book. He does cover it in more detail in his larger work, so I read that section as well. These principles are necessary to understand moral theology.
Pleasure is only good if it leads to true joy and happiness. Pleasure can be a dangerous sign if not consumed in temperance.