Christian Morality

and Catechesis

OVERVIEW

The heart of Christian morality is the life and message of Jesus. Jesus' teachings on the

kingdom revolutionized the relationship between human beings and God. A legalistic, external

morality is not the way Jesus' father wants to relate to us. God looks at the human heart upon

which God's law is written. The commandments contain basic values that express this law of

love. The Christian path is a lifelong journey of conversion to the "mind of Christ." Catechists can

teach morality by helping their students to reflect on their actions and to take responsibility for

their decisions.

OBJECTIVES

1. To situate Christian morality within the context of Jesus' life and teachings about the kingdom of God.

2. To understand the basic foundation of morality as a free response to God's love and goodness.

3. To reflect on the underlying meaning of the commandments and their relevance to today's world.

4. To examine some approaches to teaching Christian morality.

AIMS

1. That participants will be able to distinguish between an "act-centered" morality and a morality of "gift and response."

2. That participants will be able to state the moral values contained within the Ten Commandments and to apply them to their lives.

3. That participants will be able to help their students develop a love for what is right and good.

Working with the Catechism

The following will help you relate Christian morality with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

From the Catechism

"Christian, recognize your dignity and, now that

you share in God's own nature, do not return to your former

base condition by sinning" (#1691).

Read the Catechism

Read #1691 – #1876.

Discuss the Catechism

1. How do the demands of the way of Christ

challenge your views of catechesis?

2. What insights have you gained from this section?