418. old law

418. What is the relationship between the natural law and the Old Law? 1961-1962 1980 The Old Law is the first stage of revealed Law. It expresses many truths naturally accessible to reason and which are thus affirmed and authenticated in the covenant of salvation. Its moral prescriptions, which are summed up in the Ten Commandments of the Decalogue, lay the foundations of the human vocation, prohibit what is contrary to the love of God and neighbor, and prescribe what is essential to it.

417. law

 417. Is such a law perceived by everyone? 1960 Because of sin the natural law is not always perceived nor is it recognized by everyone with equal clarity and immediacy. For this reason God “wrote on the tables of the Law what men did not read in their hearts.” (Saint Augustine)

416. reason

416. In what does the natural moral law consist? 1954-1960 1978-1979 The natural law which is inscribed by the Creator on the heart of every person consists in a participation in the wisdom and the goodness of God. It expresses that original moral sense which enables one to discern by reason the good and the bad. It is universal and immutable and determines the basis of the duties and fundamental rights of the person as well as those of the human community and civil law.

415. rules

CHAPTER THREE God's Salvation: Law and Grace THE MORAL LAW 415. What is the moral law? 1950-1953 1975-1978 The moral law is a work of divine Wisdom. It prescribes the ways and the rules of conduct that lead to the promised beatitude and it forbids the ways that turn away from God.

414. solidarity

414. How is human solidarity manifested? 1939-1942 1948 Solidarity, which springs from human and Christian brotherhood, is manifested in the first place by the just distribution of goods, by a fair remuneration for work and by zeal for a more just social order. The virtue of solidarity also practices the sharing of the spiritual goods of faith which is even more important than sharing material goods.

413. share

413. How are we to view social inequalities? 1936-1938 1946-1947 There are sinful social and economic inequalities which affect millions of human beings. These inequalities are in open contradiction to the Gospel and are contrary to justice, to the dignity of persons, and to peace. There are , however, differences among people caused by various factors which enter into the plan of God. Indeed, God wills that each might receive what he or she needs from others and that those endowed with particular talents should share them with others. Such differences encourage and often oblige people to the practice of generosity, kindness and the sharing of goods. They also foster the mutual enrichment of cultures.

412. equlity

412. On what is human equality based? 1934-1935 1945 All persons enjoy equal dignity and fundamental rights insofar as they are created in the image of the one God, are endowed with the same rational soul, have the same nature and origin, and are called in Christ, the one and only Savior, to the same divine beatitude.