6.4 Natural Law

Natural Law

Moral standards that apply to all human beings regardless of faith

NOT arbitrary cultural constructs

NOT dependent on revelation

Woven into fabric of creation and human conscience

Controversy

• Who decides?
• Moral failures of historical consensus

Thinking Theologically About Moral Issues, Practicing Principled Dialogue

Authorities and considerations

• Scripture
• Tradition
• Reason and science
• Individual conscience
• Common good and natural law

Areas of action

• Teaching/doctrine
• Communal action
• Public responsibility