Firstly, I apologize for the font problems of the last post. I worked on the font for a long time and for some reason a glitch stops me from correcting the size. But, it is readable.
Secondly, the importance of this discussion centers on the large number, perhaps the majority, of people who have been taught incorrectly to be catechists. Even Catholics with Master's Degrees have expressed to me the absence of real teaching concerning conscience and the moral matter of sin.
Sadly, the vast majority of Catholics do not understand two more issues upon which I want to touch.
This second point in three moral discussions is the question of formation of conscience. Now, I have written on this before, but I need to emphasize two points. One is that the language of the Catechism is clear on the importance of conscience, but as formed correctly in and by the Catholic Church.
There is no, absolutely no, correct formation of conscience outside the parameters of the Teaching Magisterium of the Church. Here are a few of the key points from the CCC.
1783 Conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened. A well-formed conscience is upright and truthful. It formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator. The education of conscience is indispensable for human beings who are subjected to negative influences and tempted by sin to prefer their own judgment and to reject authoritative teachings.
1784 The education of the conscience is a lifelong task. From the earliest years, it awakens the child to the knowledge and practice of the interior law recognized by conscience. Prudent education teaches virtue; it prevents or cures fear, selfishness and pride, resentment arising from guilt, and feelings of complacency, born of human weakness and faults. The education of the conscience guarantees freedom and engenders peace of heart.
1785 In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path,54 we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice. We must also examine our conscience before the Lord's Cross. We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church.55
Again, using the German bishops who are moving towards schism as an example, their consciences prove to be faulty, lying in an informed dissent, rather than in an informed assent to the Teaching Magisterium.
Simply put, there is no such thing as a well-formed conscience which is in opposition to Church Teaching.
To be continued...