The Importance of the 10 Commandments:

They are very forcefully taught. They are very strict and ave no leeway, meaning that if we do not follow them we are committing sins. Our right to go to heaven depends upon whether we chose to obey them and how we choose to fulfil them or if we forget about them completely.

The 2 Greatest Commandments:

1. Thou shalt love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength.
2. Thou shalt love your neighbour as thyself.

They are simple and have more leeway. They are a sort of base as to how we live our lives.

Church's opinions on Abortion and Euthanasia:

Abortion: The deliberate termination of a human pregnancy
Euthanasia: The act of painlessly killing a patient suffering from a long-term or incurable disease.

The Catholic church openly expresses their strong opinions on the two very grave matters. Euthanasia and Abortion are both illegal in certain Christian and faith countries due to the belief of the Sanctity of Life. The Sanctity of Life clearly states that 'Only God can choose when life ends' and all 'Life is given by God'. It also says that 'Life is sacred' and 'should be protected'. It refers to the belief that human life is sacred and as such it is special.

Prejudice and Discrimination:

Prejudice: To 'pre-judge' somebody or make judgements without prior knowledge.
Discrimination: When we act on those prejudices. e.g. An employer with a prejudice against foreigners, may take action to avoid employing foreigners in their company. The media can at times foster prejudice and discrimination through stereotyping groups , i.e. terrorist attackers in news stories.

The Good Samaritan:

There was once a man who was going from Jerusalem to Jericho when a group of robbers attacked him, stripped him and beat him leaving him to die. It so happened that a priest was going down that road, but when he saw the man, walked on the other side, choosing not to gel him. Soon after, a Levite came walking down the road and went over to look at the man but also chose not to help him. Before long, a samaritan who was travelling that way went over to the man and when he saw him his heart filled with pity. He poured oil and wine on his wounds and bandaged them, then he put the man on his animal and took him to an inn where he took care of him. The next day he gave two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, 'Take care of him' he said.

After telling story about the Samaritan, Jesus asked the teacher of Law which one of the three men acted like a neighbour towards the man, and he answered, 'The one who was kind to him'. Jesus then replied, 'You go then and do the same'.

Views about Conscience:

There are varied views on conscience, whether they are important in our live or whether we should just ignore them. Conscience is within us, in our inner most core and it directs us to do what is right in certain situations. It also tells us what is wrong and helps us to not give in to temptations. Although, it may prompt different people to do different things, according to what is right for them.

Mark Twain said, 'I have noticed my conscience for many years, and I know it is more trouble and bother to me than anything else I started with.' Many people have adapted this idea of being against the concept of conscience and instead it is more of a nuisance than an aid.
A more biblical view is that it our conscience effectively helps us with our everyday lives and may even take some stress off our shoulders. By following our conscience we are also following God's orders and Jesus' footsteps, and we should appreciate the gift God has given us.

How is Conscience formed?

Catholics believe conscience is formed through ...

- Discussion and the advice of trusted people. This means that we are able to take their advice and build upon it and remember it for later life.
- Relationship with God in prayer. This means that when people pray they ask God for advice and what is the right thing to do.
- Studying and knowing the Church's teachings. This means that people build upon what is written and taught in the bible and what is true according to the Holy Spirit.
- Listening and reading God's word (the bible). This means we learn how God sees us and how we see each other.

Oscar Romero - The Life of a Christian who acted according their conscience:

- He brought attention to the very poor parts of El Salvador in the 1970s.
- He helped more people gain the courage to speak out and let their conscience have a voice.
- After close friend Father Rutillo Grande was killed, Romero decided to speak out.
- In 1979 and 1980 he went on the radio to give sermons asking people to join him in his protest about the unfairness against the poor.
- He was soon murdered for the controversy he caused among the people.

'Fame and fortune do not bring happiness':

I think Pope Benedict means that true happiness is found in God because although money can 'buy' you happiness, God can bring you true and real happiness within yourself and can decide how you live you life.

	Created by chocoroco about 13 years ago

Note on RE, created by chocoroco on 28/05/2013.