MORAL DECISION MAKING HOW TO ENSURE I AM

MORAL DECISION MAKING HOW TO ENSURE I AM DOING GOD’S WILL

THE FIRST TOOLS � PRUDENCE: � The moral virtue that inclines us to lead good, ethical, and moral lives of action � Being filled with care � Listening to your conscience � DISCERNMENT: � A decision-making process that attends to the implications and consequences of an action or choice.

RULES OF MORALITY � Your acts must promote the true good of humans or they are wrong � Make sure your actions always conform to objective norms of morality like the ten Commandments, laws, school rules, etc.

MAKE A MORAL DECISION �S. T. O. P. METHOD �S- SEARCH OUT THE FACTS �T- Think of the alternative and consequences �O- Others are involved �P- Pray

SEARCH FOR THE FACTS � MORAL OBJECT (“WHAT”) � The content/matter of your decision � Reveals whether our action is good/bad � ? Think of actions that are “bad”… Why are they labeled such?

SEARCH FOR THE FACTS � INTENTION-(“WHY”) � The aim or objective of an action � Why am I doing this? � Are my reasons pure? � Keep the intention good-for something to be morally good both the action and intention must be good � The end does not justify the means-for an action to be moral, the means must be moral

SEARCH FOR THE FACTS � MEANS �A method, course of action, or instrument by which something can be accomplished � CIRCUMSTANCES � The conditions or facts attending an event and having some bearing on it. Can increase or decrease the moral goodness or evil of an action. � Circumstances of themselves cannot change the moral quality of acts themselves: they can make neither good nor right an action that is in itself evil (CCC 1754)

SEARCH FOR THE FACTS � Do your research, acknowledge the facts, don’t let yourself use preconceived notions or biased information for decisions. Acknowledge that factual information is often more relevant than public opinion!

THINK ABOUT ALTERNATIVES/CONSEQUENCES � ALTERNATIVES: � Until the alternatives are considered, moral decisions should not be made � Thinking out alternatives involves creativity & CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS

THINK ABOUT ALTERNATIVES/CONSEQUENCES � CONSEQUENCES: � We should never act without considering the consequences of our actions � Consequences are not the only decisive factor in the morality of actions: the moral object itself may have been a decisive factor � Ask the following question: Would I be willing to allow everyone in a similar situation to act this way?

THINK � Think about the consequences specifically. � Take a moment to consider the options you have. There is often more than one or two options to consider.

OTHERS � BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS � We must always ask how our proposed actions will affect others � We must heed the advice of those who are wiser than us � Who are they?

OTHERS � An important moral choice rarely just involves you! � How will your parents, friends, coaches, feel about your choice? � Would you lie to cover up the decision you made? � Would that dishonesty be worth it?

PRAY � WHY PRAY? � Christian moral living is sustained by prayer � “The living relationship of the children of God with their Father who is good beyond measure, with his Son Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit (CCC 2565) � Prayer is a conversation with God consisting of two parts: talking & LISTENING

PRAYER �A COVERSATION WITH God doesn’t have to be formal. It is unreasonable to think that with each tough choice you will suddenly drop to your knees and ask God for a direct answer. � However, in the interest in being careful when we consider our moral decisions, we must always bring our concerns to God. � WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? � HOW DOES THE CHURCH FEEL?