TEACHER S MANUAL Our Moral Life in Christ Author: Rev. Peter V. Armenio General Editor: Rev. James Socias MIDWEST THEOLOGICAL FORUM Woodridge, Illinois

CONTENTS ix Abbreviations Used for the Books of the Bible ix General Abbreviations x Foreword xi Overview 1 Chapter 1: The Basis for Morality 1a Chapter Planning Guide 1e Chapter Objectives 1e Keys to this Chapter 1f Key Ideas 4 Introduction 4 What the Moral Law Is Not 6 Characteristics of the Moral Law 9 Moral Law and Free Will 10 Moral Law and Grace 12 Moral Law and the Christian Vocation 13 Vocation and Discipleship 14 Christian Morality in Action 16 Effects of the Moral Life in Christ 18 Personal Fruits of the Moral Life in Christ 21 Conclusion 22 Supplementary Reading 25 Vocabulary 27 Study Questions 29 Practical Exercises 30 From the Catechism 31 Chapter 2: Moral Theology 31a Chapter Planning Guide 31c Chapter Objectives 31c Keys to this Chapter 31d Key Ideas 33 Introduction 33 What is Moral Theology? 34 The Christian Concept of Mankind 37 Moral Expectations of Christians 38 Moral Requirements for Man as a Social Being 40 Our Sources of Moral Theology 44 Conclusion 45 Supplementary Reading 46 Advanced Concepts 48 Vocabulary 49 Long Term Assignment 50 Study Questions 51 Practical Exercises 52 From the Catechism 53 Chapter 3: Freedom and the Moral Act 53a Chapter Planning Guide 53c Chapter Objectives 53c Keys to this Chapter 53d Key Ideas 55 Introduction 56 The Moral Life 57 The Moral Act 58 Knowledge and Moral Responsibility 60 Sidebar: How Ignorant Are You? 61 The Gift of Human Freedom 62 Several Aspects of Human Freedom 64 Conclusion 67 Supplementary Reading 68 Vocabulary 69 Study Questions 71 Practical Exercises 72 From the Catechism 73 Chapter 4: The Moral Conscience 73a Chapter Planning Guide 73e Chapter Objectives 73e Keys to this Chapter 73f Key Ideas 76 Introduction 77 What is A Conscience? 78 Sidebar: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit 79 Sources of the Conscience 80 Nature of the Conscience 81 Formation of Conscience 82 How to Develop a Well Formed Conscience 84 Principles of Conscience 85 The Malformed Conscience 86 The Conscience and Our Obligation to Others 87 Conscience and the New Commandment 88 Conclusion 89 Supplementary Reading 93 Advanced Concepts 95 Vocabulary 95 Long Term Assignment 96 Study Questions 98 Practical Exercises 100 From the Catechism v

101 Chapter 5: Morality and the Law 101a Chapter Planning Guide 101c Chapter Objectives 101c Keys to this Chapter 101d Key Ideas 102 Introduction 103 What is Law? 104 Types of Law 106 Just Civil Law 108 Conflicts Between Conscience and Civil Law 109 Conclusion 110 Supplementary Reading 112 Advanced Concepts 113 Vocabulary 114 Study Questions 115 Practical Exercises 116 From the Catechism 117 Chapter 6: Morality and Action 117a Chapter Planning Guide 117c Chapter Objectives 117c Keys to this Chapter 117d Key Ideas 119 Introduction 120 Analysis of the Human Act 123 The Principle of Double Effect 124 Errors in Moral Theology 127 Conclusion 128 Supplementary Reading 132 Advanced Concepts 135 Vocabulary 135 Long Term Assignment 136 Study Questions 137 Practical Exercises 138 From the Catechism 139 Chapter 7: Sin and Conversion 139a Chapter Planning Guide 139e Chapter Objectives 139e Keys to this Chapter 139f Key Ideas 142 Introduction 145 What is Sin? 147 Sin in Sacred Scriptures 149 Mortal and Venial Sins 150 Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin 153 Cooperation in Evil 154 Effects of Sin 155 Conversion and Forgiveness 156 Sidebar: God Forgives, So Why Confess? 158 The Sacrament of Reconciliation 159 Contrition 160 The Last Things 166 Conclusion 167 Supplementary Reading 170 Advanced Concepts 172 Vocabulary 174 Study Questions 177 Practical Exercises 179 From the Catechism 181 Chapter 8: The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes 181a Chapter Planning Guide 181c Chapter Objectives 181c Keys to this Chapter 181d Key Ideas 183 Introduction 184 The Ten Commandments and the Teaching of Christ 185 Sidebar: The Ten Commandments 187 The Precepts of the Church 189 The Beatitudes as the Perfection of the Moral Law 190 Sidebar: The Beatitudes 192 Conclusion 193 Supplementary Reading 195 Vocabulary 195 Long Term Assignment 196 Study Questions 197 Practical Exercises 198 From the Catechism 199 Chapter 9: The First Commandment 199a Chapter Planning Guide 199e Chapter Objectives 199e Keys to this Chapter 199f Key Ideas 201 Introduction 203 Faith 204 Sins Against Faith 205 Hope 205 Sins Against Hope 206 Charity 207 Sins Against Charity 208 The Worship of God: The Virtue of Religion 208 Sins Against Religion 213 Conclusion 214 Supplementary Reading 216 Advanced Concepts 219 Vocabulary vi

221 Study Questions 222 Practical Exercises 224 From the Catechism 225 Chapter 10: The Second Commandment 225a Chapter Planning Guide 225c Chapter Objectives 225c Keys to this Chapter 225d Key Ideas 227 Introduction 227 The Grandeur of God s Name 229 Oaths 229 Oaths in Sacred Scripture 231 Lawful Use of Oaths 231 Vows 232 Sins Against the Second Commandment 233 Why is it Necessary to Pray? 238 Types of Prayer 238 The Battle of Prayer 239 Conclusion 240 Supplementary Reading 240 Vocabulary 240 Long Term Assignment 241 Study Questions 242 Practical Exercises 244 From the Catechism 245 Chapter 11: The Third Commandment 245a Chapter Planning Guide 245c Chapter Objectives 245c Keys to this Chapter 245d Key Ideas 247 Introduction 248 The Sabbath in the Old Testament 250 The Lord s Day in the New Testament 250 The History of the Christian Sunday 251 The Obligation to Attend Holy Mass 253 Fulfillment of the Precept of Attending Mass 254 The Obligation to Rest 255 Conclusion 256 Supplementary Reading 257 Vocabulary 258 Study Questions 259 Practical Exercises 260 From the Catechism 261 Chapter 12: The Fourth Commandment 261a Chapter Planning Guide 261c Chapter Objectives 261c Keys to this Chapter 261d Key Ideas 263 Introduction 263 The Family as a Community of Love 264 Observance in the Old Testament 265 Duties of Parents to Their Children 267 Duties of Children to Their Parents 268 Relations with Extended Family 269 The Importance of Spousal Unity 269 Civic Obligations of Citizens 271 Governmental Obligations to Citizens 271 Conclusion 273 Supplementary Reading 275 Vocabulary 275 Long Term Assignment 276 Study Questions 277 Practical Exercises 278 From the Catechism 279 Chapter 13: The Fifth Commandment 279a Chapter Planning Guide 279e Chapter Objectives 279e Keys to this Chapter 279f Key Ideas 281 Introduction 282 Respect for Human Life 283 Sins Against Human Dignity 284 Respect for Our Own Lives 285 Respect for the Lives of Others 287 Abortion 290 In Vitro Fertilization 291 Embryonic Stem Cell Research 292 Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide 293 Just War 295 Self Defense 296 The Arms Race 296 Capital Punishment 297 Integrity of the Human Body 300 Conclusion 301 Supplementary Reading 305 Advanced Concepts 307 Vocabulary 309 Study Questions 311 Practical Exercises 312 From the Catechism 313 Chapter 14: The Sixth and Ninth Commandments 313a Chapter Planning Guide 313e Chapter Objectives 313e Keys to this Chapter 313f Key Ideas 315 Introduction vii

317 Marriage and Creation 317 Purposes of Marriage 319 Properties of Marriage 320 Marriage and Sexuality 321 Theology of the Body 322 Sins Against Marriage 325 Sins Against the Openness to Life in Marriage 326 Sidebar: Working with God: Natural Family Planning 328 Sins Against the Integrity and Dignity of the Conjugal Act and Against the Dignity of the Child 329 Sins Against Chastity 332 Sins Against Chastity in the Old Testament 332 Education in Chastity 333 Sidebar: How Far Can We Go Before It Is A Sin? 335 Sidebar: The Sex Crazed Media and the Christian Response 337 Conclusion 338 Supplementary Reading 343 Advanced Concepts 345 Vocabulary 347 Long Term Assignment 348 Study Questions 350 Practical Exercises 352 From the Catechism 353 Chapter 15: The Seventh and Tenth Commandments 353a Chapter Planning Guide 353c Chapter Objectives 353c Keys to this Chapter 353d Key Ideas 357 Introduction 358 Human Dominion over Creation 359 Stewardship 360 Seeking the Common Good 361 Social Doctrine of the Church 362 Role of the Faithful 364 International Solidarity 366 Ecology 367 Theft 369 Covetousness 369 Restitution 371 Conclusion 372 Supplementary Reading 376 Advanced Concepts 377 Vocabulary 378 Study Questions 379 Practical Exercises 380 From the Catechism 381 Chapter 16: The Eighth Commandment 381a Chapter Planning Guide 381c Chapter Objectives 381c Keys to this Chapter 381d Key Ideas 382 Introduction 383 The Idea of Truth in Sacred Scriptures 386 Truth and Freedom 386 Truth and Discretion 387 Lies and Their Consequences 388 Gravity of the Sin of Lying 390 Sins Against the Reputation of Another 391 The Duty to Make Reparations 391 Obligation to Keep Secrets 392 Truth and Martyrdom 392 Conclusion 394 Supplementary Reading 396 Advanced Concepts 397 Vocabulary 397 Long Term Assignment 398 Study Questions 399 Practical Exercises 400 From the Catechism 401 Chapter 17: Epilogue: Living the Christian Life 401a Chapter Planning Guide 401c Chapter Objectives 401c Keys to this Chapter 401d Key Ideas 403 The Imitation of Christ 403 Encounter with Christ 405 The Spiritual Life of a Christian 407 The Universal Call to Holiness 408 Conclusion 410 Christian Morality: A Program for Life 416 Vocations in the Christian Life 419 Catholic Prayers and Devotions 427 Art and Photo Credits 433 Index viii

CHAPTER ONE TEACHER S MANUAL

CHAPTER PLANNING GUIDE LESSON OBJECTIVES OPENING & CLOSING ACTIVITIES GUIDED EXERCISES HOMEWORK Introductory Lesson The Basis for Morality and the Introduction (pp. 2 6) Characteristics of the Moral Law (pp. 6 9) Learning Experience Course goals and instructional procedures Learning Experience Christ s invitation to happiness both now and forever Objective morality versus moral relativism The scope and essence of the moral law The moral law is essential to Christianity Learning Experience Living the moral law is a demand of our faith The moral law puts us on the road to true happiness The moral law leads us to knowledge of the inner life of God and his plans for us The moral law is based on God s divine wisdom and draws us closer to Christ Anticipatory Set God s opinion and my own (p. 3) Closure Write a one sentence answer for each of the three basic questions for this chapter (p. 5) Alternative Assessment Identify three things that you did not understand in the lesson (p. 5) Anticipatory Set The story of the rich young man (p. 6) Closure Free write on the most important reason to obey the moral law (p. 7) Alternative Assessment Practical Exercise 1 on giving God center stage (p. 7) Cooperative Learning For Discussion questions (p. 3) Mini lecture The Church s obsession with sexual morality (p. 4) Partner Work Examples of moral and moralistic behavior in life (p. 5) Graphic Organizer Supernatural Sports (p. 30a) Relate Terms moral and moralistic to two American novels (p. 30a) Cooperative Learning How Christ fulfilled the Mosaic Law (p. 7) Reading The Basis for Morality and the Introduction (pp. 2 4) What the Moral Law is Not (pp. 4 6) Textbook Study Questions 1 12 (p. 27) Practical Exercise 2 (p. 29) Workbook Questions 1 7 Reading Characteristics of the Moral Law (pp. 6 8) Supplementary Reading 2 (p. 20) Textbook Study Questions 13 19 (p. 27) Practical Exercise 1 (p. 29) Workbook Questions 8 11 Reading Moral Law and Free Will (pp. 9 10) Moral Law and Grace (pp. 10 11) 1a The Basis for Morality

Introductory Lesson (for first day of class) INSTRUCTION Give each student a syllabus for the course and review it with the class. This should include the overall goals of the course and the breakdown of the content by semester, quarter, and week of instruction. It should include major projects and tests. Explain how the lessons of this text will be taught. Explain to the students the cycle of instructional lessons, review lesson, and test day. Give each student an instructional policy for this class and go over it with them. The instructional policies are your classroom behavior and academic policies, including policies for late work, missing work, academic honesty, neatness, and so on. Pass out student texts and Bibles, and any other materials you are providing. If you wish students to read ahead, present the Objectives of tomorrow s first instructional lesson, and let them begin the Homework Assignment if any time remains. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Read The Basis for Morality and Introduction through What the Moral Law is Not (pp. 2 6) FOCUS QUESTIONS What is morality and moral law? Morality refers to the standards by which we judge actions to be good or evil. Moral law refers to the standards of human behavior that were established by God and are taught by the Catholic Church. What do the controversies between abortion proponents and pro life advocates reveal? The controversies reveal that, even though the two sides completely disagree, each believes that some kind of moral standard must exist. For example, one side speaks of the right of the unborn child to life. The other speaks of the woman s right to an abortion. What is the difference between an objective and a subjective morality? Objective morality claims that our actions are good or evil independently of what we think about them, whereas subjective morality claims that the moral value of our actions depends on the situation and one s opinion. 2 The Basis for Morality

The Basis for Morality and the Introduction (pp. 2 6) LESSON OBJECTIVES GUIDED EXERCISE Put the students into groups of three or four and assign each group one of the five For Discussion questions. One student in each group should be the moderator of the group, another the recorder, and a third the presenter. Give the groups three to five minutes to discuss their question then call on the presenters to briefly share responses. ANTICIPATORY SET Ask the students to respond to the following statement in writing, then ask them to share their responses: Upon hearing the Ten Commandments, a student said, I suppose God is entitled to his opinion, but I am also entitled to mine! Christ s invitation to happiness both now and forever Objective morality versus moral relativism The scope and essence of the moral law The moral law is essential to Christianity BASIC QUESTIONS What is required to accept Christ s invitation to happiness and eternal life? What is the difference between objective morality and moral relativism? What is the essence of the moral law? Why is the moral law essential to Christianity? KEY IDEAS Christ s invitation to share in his life in this world and in the next requires both a faith filled response and a living of that faith by using our freedom to do good. The moral law is the standard of human behavior established by God and taught by the Church. Objective standards of morality are opposed to moral relativism, which claims that moral standards are subjective and may vary according to situation and personal opinion. The moral law is not simply about rules but more importantly about how best to love God and our neighbor in thought, word, and deed. Christianity is about holiness, and good moral behavior is essential to attaining holiness. The Basis for Morality 3

GUIDED EXERCISE Conduct a mini lecture on why people tend to equate morality and the Catholic Church with repressive teachings on morality. Since the latter half of the twentieth century, much of the secular culture has been obsessed with sex. In 1950, only a tiny minority of people would have said that premarital sex, adultery, divorce, contraception, pornography, abortion, or homosexual behavior were morally acceptable. In 1950, ideas such as in vitro fertilization (test tube babies), cloning, same sex marriage and adoption of children, and partial birth abortion would have been considered morally unacceptable. While much of our culture has changed, the Catholic Church has maintained her perennial teachings and applied them to new situations that have arisen. These teachings have sometimes been scorned and ridiculed by the media, which accuse the Church of trying to impose its values on others, or to legislate morality. FOCUS QUESTIONS If Christianity is not just about moral precepts, what is it fundamentally about? Christianity is a message of salvation and holiness. What is the relationship between a morality of rules and a morality that includes rules? Christ s morality is not a morality of just rules as if following rules would save you. Rather, it is a morality that includes rules. Moral laws and precepts show us the difference between good and evil and the path we need to follow if we want to please God, achieve true perfection, and obtain salvation. FOCUS QUESTIONS What do some people assume morality is basically about? Many people assume morality is all about issues pertaining to sexuality and marriage. They then conclude morality is nothing but an unnecessary restriction on human freedom. Besides matters of sexual morality, what else does the moral law include? It includes all human behavior that has a moral dimension, including war, health care, economics, poverty, discrimination, calumny, and criminal justice. Where can one find the official presentation of Catholic beliefs and teachings about the moral law? The third section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 4 The Basis for Morality