Category Archives: ethics

Abortion: depenalization equals decriminalization

Posted on 9 August 2011 by Ron Conte

What makes a law a law? In order for a law to be truly a law, certain conditions must be met. For example, a law must be just in order to be a true law. Saint Augustine: “For it seems … Continue reading →

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To what extent may a faithful Catholic disagree with the Pope?

Posted on 7 August 2011 by Ron Conte

When the Pope or a Council or the Universal Magisterium teaches infallibly, the faithful are required to give the full assent of faith (what I term ‘sacred assent’). Infallible teachings of the Magisterium are guaranteed by the Holy Spirit to … Continue reading →

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Wisdom on idolatry

Posted on 13 July 2011 by Ron Conte

[Wisdom] {14:21} And this was the deception of human life: that men, serving either their own inclination or their kings, assigned the unutterable name to stones and wood. {14:22} And it was not enough for them to go astray concerning … Continue reading →

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Church teaching on same-sex marriage and civil unions

Posted on 13 July 2011 by Ron Conte

USCCB Catechism: “There are attempts by some in contemporary society to change the definition or understanding of what exactly constitutes marriage. Efforts to gain approval for and acceptance of same-sex unions as marriages are examples. While the Church clearly teaches … Continue reading →

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Masturbation is intrinsically evil and a mortal sin

Posted on 7 July 2011 by Ron Conte

Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: “in fact both the Magisterium of the Church — in the course of a constant tradition — and the moral sense of the faithful have declared without hesitation that masturbation is an … Continue reading →

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Summary of posts on homosexuality

Posted on 27 June 2011 by Ron Conte

Here is a summary of my posts in this blog on homosexuality and gay marriage: Did Jesus approve of gay marriage? Not at all. Catholic teaching on homosexuality 1 Catholic teaching on homosexuality 2 Catholic teaching on homosexuality 3: Saint … Continue reading →

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The excommunication of Catholics who obtain a gay marriage

Posted on 26 June 2011 by Ron Conte

Any Catholic who obtains a ‘gay marriage’ is automatically excommunicated for the sin of formal heresy, and must be denied holy Communion. Canon 1364, n. 1: “an apostate from the faith, a heretic, or a schismatic incurs a latae sententiae … Continue reading →

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The moral law versus unjust laws

Posted on 20 June 2011 by Ron Conte

.028. The moral law is eternal and universal and unchanging. The moral law applies to all persons, at all times, in all circumstances, without any exception. The moral law is eternal and universal and unchanging, because God is eternal and … Continue reading →

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Is it always a mortal sin to miss Mass?

Posted on 17 June 2011 by Ron Conte

Catechism of the Catholic Church: “The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for … Continue reading →

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Are the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit the same as the Seven Cardinal Virtues?

Posted on 13 June 2011 by Ron Conte

At Baptism, we are infused with the three theological virtues, which are the three greatest virtues: love, faith, hope. These are given as an unmerited gift of God, not obtained by our own efforts, and so they are called ‘infused’, … Continue reading →

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Catholic hospital forbids contraception for a medical purpose to avoid grave consequences

Posted on 7 June 2011 by Ron Conte

A Catholic hospital in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, is prohibiting physicians from dispensing contraception or even advising patients to use contraception, regardless of the purpose or circumstances. CANCER doctors are on a collision course with a Catholic health organisation … Continue reading →

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In Roman Catholic moral theology, what is a moral object?

Posted on 5 June 2011 by Ron Conte

Morality concerns acts (also called ‘human acts), which are the knowing choices of a human person. In moral theology, an act is an exercise of intellect and free will. The mind understands, and the will freely chooses. All such knowing … Continue reading →

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