St. John Paul II's 'Veritatis Splendor'
The fundamental option at first seems like it is a viable theory to explain human freedom, but it fails to consider the nature of morality, as it was taught by Jesus in the New Testament. This theory attempts to redefine human agency, where it fails to account for the rationality of man’s behaviour in each of their conscious decisions (VS 67). St. John Paul II in Veritatis Splendor, explains that man’s actions cannot be determined solely from the fundamental option because it outlines human freedom as an intention to perform an action without abiding by humanity’s moral obligations (VS 67). St. John Paul II further ascertains that true morality considers whether or not the behaviour performed conforms to the integrity of humanity’s freedom
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To be effective the human conscience needs to be nurtured, theories that endorse moral relativism will result in the development of more individualistic persons, and not the community Christianity strives for. In Veritatis Splendor, St. John Paul II implores Catholics to consider the full veracity of their actions, forcing them to consider the intentionality, rationale and circumstances of a performed behaviour (VS 80). The fundamental option removes these aspects of decision making from human agency. The fundamental option excuses morally objectionable behaviours as long as it does not alter the individual’s fundamental option to God. Theorists endorsing the fundamental option have also attempted to revise Christian moral teaching, relegating previously mortal sins (conscious sins), such as adultery to the same status of venial sins. They argue that if a person’s fundamental option towards God does not change, they remain in a state of grace. However, contemporary Christian understanding of sin and morality has determined that any conscious decision to sin against God is to betray him. To use the gift of free will to betray God may not alter our decision to adore him, but regardless of the rationale sinning purposely leaves the soul-scarred. Without a properly formed conscience, these scars will only deepen distancing ourselves from God, finally resulting in our permanent
To be effective the human conscience needs to be nurtured, theories that endorse moral relativism will result in the development of more individualistic persons, and not the community Christianity strives for. In Veritatis Splendor, St. John Paul II implores Catholics to consider the full veracity of their actions, forcing them to consider the intentionality, rationale and circumstances of a performed behaviour (VS 80). The fundamental option removes these aspects of decision making from human agency. The fundamental option excuses morally objectionable behaviours as long as it does not alter the individual’s fundamental option to God. Theorists endorsing the fundamental option have also attempted to revise Christian moral teaching, relegating previously mortal sins (conscious sins), such as adultery to the same status of venial sins. They argue that if a person’s fundamental option towards God does not change, they remain in a state of grace. However, contemporary Christian understanding of sin and morality has determined that any conscious decision to sin against God is to betray him. To use the gift of free will to betray God may not alter our decision to adore him, but regardless of the rationale sinning purposely leaves the soul-scarred. Without a properly formed conscience, these scars will only deepen distancing ourselves from God, finally resulting in our permanent