An Introduction to Christian Ethics

Deciding What Is Right: Roman Catholics

Roman Catholics also believe God reveals His will through the Bible. In addition they also believes that God speaks to the world today through the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

In the Gospels, in the New Testament, Jesus gave His authority to teach to the 12 apostles and promised the Holy Spirit would lead the disciples after He had left (Mark chapter 6 verses 7 - 12). Roman Catholics believe that these promises have come true. The Holy Spirit, they believe, guides the Church. Jesus' authority has been given to the Church, especially the bishops. Bishops and Priests, Catholics believe, can help people understand what Christianity is about and how to interpret the Bible.

Very occasionally, all the bishops meet - at a General Council. Roman Catholics believe the Holy Spirit especially guides General Councils that sometimes decide on how to interpret the Bible on certain issues, e.g. abortion, war or contraception.
The Holy Spirit in particular guides the Pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He writes letters to churches called "encyclicals", explaining particular teachings to the Church.

Roman Catholics also believe in natural law. Christians believe that the image of God in humans was not completely destroyed by the Fall. We can recognise goodness and come to conclusions about the world with our own God-given common sense (or natural law).

A Roman Catholic, attempting to make a moral decision would ask 3 questions: -

1) What is the teaching of the Bible on this matter?
2) What is the teaching of the Church on this matter?
3) What does natural law (common sense) tell us about this issue?

The Church decides what is right by looking at:

1) The Bible
2) The past teachings of the Church
3) Natural law.