What is good?

[PJM]

Is “good” a subjective personal opinion?

Or is “good” an objective reality, applied to various situtations that can be proven?

 

[06convert]

In this day and age, in this society? Good is subjective to many things. What is convenient, what gives us immediate pleasure, what is popular, or most accepted, in some cases what goes against traditional values is considered to be good, or more “progressive”, or “open minded”, or “tolerant”.

For some people, especially misguided Christians. Good is what they perceive themselves to be. Anything they aren’t is bad, or evil.

Good, however, is “supposed” to be a characteristic of God’s creations. Everything God made is good. Evil is the absense of good. All things are inherently good and good is instilled in every person, this is also called natural law. This is how we instinctively know good from bad without God’s teaching. But only through the teaching of Christ can one expand upon basic good or bad, wrong or right and live a truly good life.

 

[PJM]

Thank you so much for a beautiful post:thumbsup:

Can we know “good?”

Can we prove “good?”

 

[06convert]

Thank you so much for a beautiful post:thumbsup:

Can we know “good?”

Can we prove “good?”

In order to properly identify good we need a well formed conscience. If we have a well formed conscience we can pick out good things easily. As a result we can clearly identify evil.

However, if we do not have a well formed conscience good can mean whatever we want. This is the cause of many of the problems in today’s world.

As for proving good, well good luck. There is no “proof”. There is only the definition and as Christians the only definition is Jesus’ example. So I supposed as long as you have trust in the Lord, you have all the proof you need.

 

[PJM]

=06convert;4863806]In order to properly identify good we need a well formed conscience. If we have a well formed conscience we can pick out good things easily. As a result we can clearly identify evil.

Very well done:tiphat:

But How does one get such a conscience?

How can one know with certitude that one does have such a conscience?

However, if we do not have a well formed conscience good can mean whatever we want. This is the cause of many of the problems in today’s world.

Their is tons of proof that what you say is true, So what is the BEST way to attempt to change, what you so correctly point out?

As for proving good, well good luck. There is no “proof”. There is only the definition and as Christians the only definition is Jesus’ example. So I supposed as long as you have trust in the Lord, you have all the proof you need.

If this is true and factual, then how can one know if they or doing good or evil?

GREAT POST:clapping:

 

[06convert]

But How does one get such a conscience?

If you are young. You hope that your parents have a well formed conscience and pass that along to you. If not then we have to know and understand God’s teachings which have been beautifully demonstrated to us by our Lord Jesus.

How can one know with certitude that one does have such a conscience?

You can never be certain. A well formed conscience doesn’t mean that you have a perfect conscience. It’s constantly a work in progress. However, as time goes on it becomes easier and easier to distinguish good from bad. Your decisions must be those that are taught to be in accordance with God, and not contrary to God’s teaching.

Their is tons of proof that what you say is true, So what is the BEST way to attempt to change, what you so correctly point out?

To change the world? Prayers mostly. To change ourselves? Look for the gifts God has given you, both in His written word (Sacred Scripture) and spoken word (Sacred Tradition).

If this is true and factual, then how can one know if they or doing good or evil?

Again, there is nothing to say 100% for sure. However, again, doing your best to do as Christ would do is a good start.

 

[PJM]

=06convert;4865559]If you are young. You hope that your parents have a well formed conscience and pass that along to you. If not then we have to know and understand God’s teachings which have been beautifully demonstrated to us by our Lord Jesus.

You can never be certain. A well formed conscience doesn’t mean that you have a perfect conscience. It’s constantly a work in progress. However, as time goes on it becomes easier and easier to distinguish good from bad. Your decisions must be those that are taught to be in accordance with God, and not contrary to God’s teaching.

To change the world? Prayers mostly. To change ourselves? Look for the gifts God has given you, both in His written word (Sacred Scripture) and spoken word (Sacred Tradition).

Again, there is nothing to say 100% for sure. However, again, doing your best to do as Christ would do is a good start.

Another good post. Thanks again.

So where does religious education come in to the mix? Or does it?

 

[06convert]

Another good post. Thanks again.

So where does religious education come in to the mix? Or does it?

Education is part of the mix. This will give you a fundamental set of teaching. Of course as a Catholic I’m likely to encourage Catholic based religious education as a great fundamental set of moral based teaching, and real world teaching based on religion.

Your conscience is formed in many ways. From the people who raised you, to your education, and from your own experiences. Having a good conscience is possible without all of this, but it’s better to have it all, rather than parts.

In the end, as a Christian, your goal is to seek God, and to try to understand His wishes by the example of Christ. We will all stumble, but God knows what’s in our heart. As Catholic we are fortunate to have all of these teachings clearly defined by the Church that Jesus has promised to guide and protect with the Holy Spirit.

 

[PJM]

=06convert;4867861]Education is part of the mix. This will give you a fundamental set of teaching. Of course as a Catholic I’m likely to encourage Catholic based religious education as a great fundamental set of moral based teaching, and real world teaching based on religion.

Your conscience is formed in many ways. From the people who raised you, to your education, and from your own experiences. Having a good conscience is possible without all of this, but it’s better to have it all, rather than parts.

In the end, as a Christian, your goal is to seek God, and to try to understand His wishes by the example of Christ. We will all stumble, but God knows what’s in our heart. As Catholic we are fortunate to have all of these teachings clearly defined by the Church that Jesus has promised to guide and protect with the Holy Spirit.

Quite true,

But can you suggest specific materials that would be good guides in forming a Christian / Catholic conscience?

 

[davidv]

Quite true,

But can you suggest specific materials that would be good guides in forming a Christian / Catholic conscience?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church