Introduction to Christian Morality
Course Level: Basic
Course Summary
Welcome to Introduction to Practical Morality. This course is designed to explore how we can live virtuous, meaningful, faith-filled lives guided by moral principles rooted in the teaching of the Church. Morality isn't just about distinguishing right from wrong, Morality is not just a theory—it's about applying these values to everyday choices, relationships, and challenges that we experience. In this course, we will delve into how the rich tradition of Catholic moral theology, as found in Scripture and Sacred Tradition. We will explore how Catholic moral theology can shape our decisions in practical ways.
Throughout this journey, we’ll examine vital concepts such as the dignity of the human person, the formation of conscience, the virtues and vices, and the role of grace and free will. We’ll also examine real-life moral dilemmas and situations, from personal moral decisions to broader social justice issues, always considering how faith and reason help guide and inform our actions.
Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of Catholic moral principles or discerning guidance in living a morally responsible life, this course invites you to reflect, inquire, and grow in wisdom and virtue, as you experience our pilgrimage of faith.
Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.
General Course Objectives
- Students will be able to explain the sources of moral theology in the teaching of the Church, which includes Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium.
- Students will learn how to apply key moral principles such as the dignity and goodness of the human person, the role of conscience, in ethical decision-making.
- Students will understand the concepts of virtue (e.g., cardinal and theological virtues), Grace, and sin (e.g., mortal and venial sin) and how they impact their moral lives and decision-making processes of a disciple of Jesus.
- Students will analyze how the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes serve as guides for moral living and Christian discipleship.
- Students will reflect on how Catholic moral teachings apply to contemporary moral issues and they will examine how they might help others and themselves to live a moral life in accordance with Church teachings.
Course Materials
- No books required. All readings are online.
Course Structure and Highlights
- Week 1: Foundation of the Christian Life
- Students will become familiar with the theological and philosophical basis of moral theology.
- Week 2: Scriptural Basis
- Students will become familiar with the 10 Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Last Judgement and their influence on moral theology.
- Week 3: Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Virtue
- Students will become familiar with the Virtues as well as the Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Week 4: Sin, Grace, and Freedom
- Students will understand how grace and freedom interact in their lives and how sin can impact decisions.
- Week 5: Conscience Formation and Moral Decision Making
- Students will understand how the formation of one’s conscience contributes to moral decision-making.
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