Catholic teaching states that human life must be respected because it is sacred. It is not lawful for anyone to destroy an innocent human being. However, there are times when our duty is to defend life, especially our own. We can legitimately defend ourselves while choosing not to kill.
It is worth remembering that the fourth commandment is not the first of the commandments. “Family ties are important but not absolute, because the first vocation of a Christian is to follow Jesus and love him…” (CCCC 462).
How should we keep Sunday holy? “Christians keep Sunday and other days of obligation holy by participating in the Eucharist of the Lord and by refraining from those activities which impede the worship of God and disturb the joy proper to the day of the Lord or the necessary relaxation of mind and body….” (CCCC 453).
When we hear the word “justice,” we often think of what we ought to give to others. But the first “other” is God. The virtue of religion reminds us of our duty of justice towards God – our Creator, our Redeemer, and our Sanctifier.
The first commandment requires us to adore God alone. Thus, the Lord Jesus reminded the devil, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve” (Matthew 4:10). But there are times when we break the first commandment. When we fail to safeguard three virtues…
What is cooperation in evil? Cooperation in evil is concurrence in another’s sinful act. Cooperation in evil is different from scandal.
God allows us to be tempted in order to test our virtue and to give us an opportunity to grow and to earn merit. Nonetheless, He takes our capability into account and supplies us with His grace.
The goal of the Christian life is far beyond the reach of our wounded nature, almost humanly impossible. The requirements are extreme. This is why Jesus Christ teaches us that we have to count on Him and on His grace.
The Decalogue (Divine Positive Law) is an explicit statement of what the Natural Law requires of us. Hence, it covers not only Catholics or Christians, but all men. Jesus Christ confirms the commands of the Old Law but reveals more demands for His followers.
Some people take training courses on anger management. In contrast, Christianity offers a course on anger prevention.