The Moral Law
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Law - God's Instructions (1950-1951)
The moral law is God's fatherly instruction, showing the rules that lead to heaven and the evils which lead away from God.
Laws are rules of conduct given by competent authority for the common good. God's moral law presupposes a rational order of nature by which creatures can gain their final goal. All law finds its truth in God's eternal law and is established by reason participating in God's loving care.
"Among all the animals, only man was worthy to receive a law from God to govern his conduct by using his freedom and will" (Tertullian).
Expressions of God's Law (1952-1953)
There are various expressions of moral law (God's eternal law, natural law, law revealed in the Old Testament, the law of the Gospel, Church law, and civil law).
The moral law finds its fullness in Christ. "For Christ is the end of the law, that everyone who has faith may be justified" (Rom 10:4).
A Law Engraved on Man's Heart (1954)
Man participates in the wisdom of God and in the goodness of God. By the natural law, man has the moral sense to discern good and evil.
"The natural law is engraved in the soul of every man, because human reason tells him to do good and avoid evil. It has force because it is the voice of a higher reason to which our spirit must submit" (Pope Leo XIII).
Expressed in the Ten Commandments (1955)
This "divine and natural" law and is expressed in the Ten Commandments. The law is "natural" because reason (which decrees it) belongs to human nature. "These rules are written in the book of that light which we call truth and are imprinted on the heart of man as a seal upon wax" (St. Augustine). "Natural law is the light of understanding placed in us by God through which we know what we must do and what we must avoid" (St. Augustine).
Over All Men (1956)
This natural law is universal, and its authority extends to every man, determining the basis for his rights and duties. "This true law is diffused among all men, is immutable and eternal. To replace it with a contrary law is a sacrilege" (Cicero).
Immutable (1957-1958)
The application of this law varies greatly because it considers many different conditions. Yet, even amid diversity of cultures, the natural law bonds men together and imposes common principles.
Even amid the flux of ideas, this law is immutable and permanent throughout history, with rules which remain substantially valid. Even when rejected, the law is not destroyed but rises again in individuals and societies. "This is the law that iniquity itself does not efface" (St. Augustine).
Basis of Society (1959)
Upon this natural law, man can build moral rules and the human community can establish a moral foundation. Natural law is the basis for that civil law which draws conclusions from its principles and creates legal structures.
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