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The Cultural Shift in Perceptions of Morality

Before Vatican II, the popular view of morality was legalistic. The very common obedience to the moral law was based more on fear of punishment than devotion to God.

Vatican II called for a renewal of moral theology being taught in seminaries, but did not lay out a path for this renewal beyond some general guidelines.

Many theologians after Vatican II embraced moral relativism as an antidote to legalism. Catholics came to believe that following the moral law was dependent on their circumstances and their "conscience."

Pope John Paul II laid out the true renewal of moral theology, based on the true Tradition of the Church. Moral law is binidng on us, but it is a participation in God's goodness.

What is Moral Theology?

Theology is "faith seeking understanding," digging deeper into the Mysteries of God, and therefore growing in intimacy with God.

Morality deals with choices that affect who we become (our character) and our relationship with God (our destiny).

Natural law is God's guide to be who He created us to be.

Divine law is God's guide to having a relationship with Him.