PAPER NO. 24
THE MORAL LAW
Universal, Perpetual, Total and Teleological
- Autonomy: disregarding what is clear about God and man and good and evil; determining the good as other than the knowledge of God through the work of dominion; original sin.
- Idolatry: any false view of God; likening the infinite, eternal, unchangeable Creator to the finite, temporal, changeable creature.
- Hypocrisy: self-deception and self-justification arising from not seeking and not understanding what is clear about God.
- Eschatology: hope that through the work of dominion the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
- Authority: authority is based on insight into the good and the means to the good. Authority is rational, not personal. Insight is historically cumulative.
- Human Dignity: man is the image of God, with the ability and responsibility to know what is clear to reason.
- Fidelity: spiritual fidelity to the good prevents ordinary infidelity, and the consequence of cultural decay.
- Property: the wealth of nations is from the use of talent in pursuit of the good.
- Equity: justice for all is from knowing and speaking all of the truth that is relevant.
- Serenity: contentment in the good prevents discontent with divine providence.
