Lecture 3: Natural Law in Catholic Moral Theology
Introduction
- Instructor: Father Romanus Cesario
- Institution: St. John Seminary, Brighton, Massachusetts
- Course Title: Elements of Moral Theology
- Lecture Context: Third of six lectures, focusing on Natural Law
What is Catholic Moral Theology?
- Located within the saving instruction of God communicated to the Church
- Discusses the happy life and the Christian way of life
- Differs from moral philosophy and secular ethics
- Bound by divine revelation and aims to present the big picture of human life in God's plan
Key Themes from Previous Lectures
Lecture 1
- Introduction to the program and specificities of Catholic moral theology
- Saving instruction covers both faith and morals
Lecture 2
- Anthropology: Imago Dei (Image of God)
- Humans made in God's image inherently
- Imaging is inherent and free—reflects God's imprint on us
- Free will is a divine gift, and both divine initiative and human response are gifts
- Imago Dei leads to Imago Gratia (Image of Grace)
- Living by divine grace leads to conformity with Christ and the cross
Natural Law and Moral Theology
Contextual Foundation
- Man set between God as origin and God as end (beatitude)
- God's end for us is ultimately Himself, to share in the Trinity's life
- Catholic moral theology involves understanding both divine origins and ultimate ends
Theological Perspective
- Based on Thomas Aquinas' work
- Natural Law: Participation of rational creatures in the eternal law
- Eternal Law: God’s way of governing creation, reflecting divine plan or design
- Disputes over whether natural law involves divine will or knowledge
Key Examples in Natural Law
- Life: Protecting, preserving, and flourishing biological life
- Human Sexuality: Male and female coupling for procreation
- Truth-telling: Essential for rational communication and friendship
Contemporary Challenges
- Modern emphasis on autonomy conflicts with the notion of divine pattern shaping human behavior
- Importance of understanding natural law in the context of divine knowledge and governance
Church Teachings and Natural Law
- Addressed by Pope John Paul II in "Veritas Splendor"
- Natural law as part of the Church's moral teaching patrimony
- Debate on natural law persistence post-Vatican II
Conclusion
- Natural Law viewed as a guide to living a godly life in alignment with how God knows the world to be
- Teleology: Focus on ends that perfect the human person
- Encouragement for further study and understanding of natural law and its implications
Suggested Readings
- Book: "The Splendor of the Truth: Veritas Splendor and the Renewal of Moral Theology" (Edited by Father Romanus Cesario and Father Augustin DeNoia)
Note: This summary captures the essence of the lecture on natural law and its role in Catholic moral theology, focusing on the interplay between divine origin, eternal law, and human conduct.