SINS AGAINST NEIGHBOR

LAST SEVEN COMMANDMENTS

Second Table of Decalogue

1. What is the second table of the decalogue?

The second table of the Ten Commandments corresponds to the last seven commandments. It shows us the order of charity, 'love your neighbor as yourself', teaching us the proper relations to have with our neighbors. [2196, 97].

Fourth Commandment

2. What is the fourth commandment?

The fourth commandment is "Honor thy father and thy mother". (Ex 20:12; Deut 5:16; cf Mk 7:10). [2197, 2247*].

3. How did the child Jesus comply with the fourth commandment?

We read in Luke's Gospel (2:51) "He went down with them (Mary and Joseph) and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart." [2196].

4. What does the fourth commandment require of us?

This commandment tells us not only to honor our parents, but also those to whom he has given authority over us: pupils show honor to teachers, employees to employers, subordinates to leaders, citizens to their country and its administrators, etc. [2248*, 2199].

5. What is the marriage community?

The marriage community is established by the covenant and consent of the spouses; it is ordered to the good of the spouses, as well as to the procreation and the education of children. [2249*, 2201-06].

6. What is the original cell or unit of social life?

The family is the original cell of social life. Authority, stability, and a life of relationships within the family constitute the foundations of freedom, security, and fraternity within society. [2207].

7. What are the duties of children?

Children owe their parents respect, gratitude, just obedience, and assistance. They have the responsibility, as much as they can, to give their parents material and moral support in times of illness, loneliness, distress, and old age. [2251*, 2214, 2218].

8. What are the duties of parents?

Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children in the faith, prayer, and all the virtues. They have the duty to provide, as far as possible, for the physical and spiritual needs of their children. [2252*, 2221-29].

9. What are the duties of civil authorities?

Those who exert authority should do so as a service to facilitate the exercise of freedom and responsibility by all. They should act justly, taking into account the needs and contribution of each, with a view to harmony and peace. They must respect the fundamental rights of the human person. [2254*, 2235-37].

10. What are the duties of citizens?

It is the duty of citizens to work with civil authority for building up society in a spirit of truth, justice, harmony, and freedom. Citizens are not obliged to follow directives of civil authorities that are contrary to the moral law. [2255*, 2256*, 2238-43].

11. Does the Church have the right to make judgments about civil affairs?

A part of the Church's mission is to pass moral judgments in matters related to politics whenever the fundamental rights of men or the salvation of souls requires it. [2246].

Fifth Commandment

12. What is the fifth commandment?

The fifth commandment is 'Thou shalt not kill". In other words, direct and intentional killing of human beings is gravely sinful. (Ex 20:13, cf. Deut 5:17). [2258].

13. How did Jesus extend the scope of the fifth commandment?

Matthew (5:21-22) reports Jesus as saying "You heard that it has been said to the men of old, Thou shallt not kill'. But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment". In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus added hatred and vengeance to this list, and went further by asking his disciples to turn the other cheek and love their enemies. (Mt 5:22-39, 44). [2258, 2262].

14. Is self defense permitted?

Legitimate self defense is not only a right, but it can be a duty for a person responsible for the lives of others. [2321*, 2263-66].

15. Is the death penalty morally justifiable?

The traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, but Pope John Paul II tells us that cases in which the death penalty is a necessity "are very rare, if not practically non-existent". (Evangelium vitae 56). [2267].

16. Why is abortion forbidden?

From its conception a child has a right to life, hence direct abortion, willed either as an end or as a means, is directly contrary to the moral law. [2322*, 2270-75].

17. Is euthanasia ever morally justifiable?

Euthanasia, which is an act or an omission which by itself or by intention, causes the death of a handicapped, sick, elderly, dying, or any other person, constitutes murder. [glossary, 2324*, 2276-79].

18. Is suicide morally justifiable?

Suicide, the willful taking of one's own life, is a grievous sin. [glossary, 2325*, 2280-83].

19. Is scandal morally wrong?

Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. It is a grave sin when by deed or omission it leads another into a grave offense. [glossary, 2326*, 2284-87].

20. What does the fifth commandment say about respect for health?

Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. Society is obliged to help in the attainment of living conditions so citizens can reach maturity in good health. We must observe the virtue of temperance by avoiding excesses of food, alcohol, tobacco, and medicine, and not use harmful drugs. [2288-2291].

21. What does the fifth commandment require concerning the dead?

The dying should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace. The sacrament of the sick should be administered to critically ill and dying Catholics. The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect. [2299-2301].

22. Can war be justified?

Governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self defense, once all peace efforts have failed. They should respect those who for reasons of conscience refuse to bear arms, and can oblige them to serve in a noncombatant way. Adherence to the moral code is required during armed conflicts. [2327*, 2328*, 2309].

Sixth Commandment

23. What is the sixth commandment?

The sixth commandment is "Thou shalt not commit adultery". (Ex 20:14, Deut 5:18). [2331].

24. How are man, woman and love related to each other?

Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. By creating human beings as men and women, God gives equal personal dignity to each of them. Each person must acknowledge and accept his or her sexual identity. [2392*, 2393*, 2331-35].

25. What is the message of the sixth commandment?

Every person is called to lead a chaste life, each according to his or her particular state of life. This requires the integration of sexuality within the person, the attainment of self mastery over one's passions. [2394*, 2395*, cf. 2339-2350].

26. What sins are contrary to chastity?

Among the sins gravely contrary to chastity are masturbation, fornication, adultery, pornography, prostitution, and homosexual acts. [2396*, 2351-2356].

27. What is sinful about homosexuality?

It is not in any way sinful for a person to have deep-seated homosexual tendencies. Such tendencies are to be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity, and all unjust discrimination against individuals with such tendencies is morally wrong. Homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered, and contrary to the natural law. Homosexual persons, as well as heterosexual persons, are called to chastity. [2357-59].

28. What does the marriage covenant entail?

The marriage covenant entails faithful love, and imposes on spouses the obligation to keep their marriage indissoluble. [2397*, 2360-65].

29. What is the twofold end of marriage?

The twofold end of marriage is the good of the spouses themselves, and the transmission of life. These two values cannot be separated without disturbing the couple's spiritual life, and compromising the goods of marriage and the future of the family. [2363, 2398*].

30. How are births allowed to be regulated?

The regulation of births represents one of the aspects of responsible fatherhood and motherhood. Periodic continence, such as that espoused by Natural Family Planning, is a legitimate method of birth regulation. Direct sterilization and contraception are unacceptable. [2399*, 2368-70].

31. What are some offenses against the dignity of marriage?

Adultery, incest, divorce, polygamy, and living together without marriage vows, are grave offenses against the dignity of marriage. [2400*, 2380-2391].

Seventh Commandment

32. What is the seventh commandment?

The seventh commandment is "Thou shalt not steal". (Ex 20:15; Deut 5-19: Mt. 18:18). [2401].

33. What does the seventh commandment require and forbid?

This commandment requires justice and charity in the care of earthly goods, private property, and the fruits of people's labor. It forbids theft or unjustly taking or keeping goods of one's neighbor, and wronging him in any way with respect to his goods. [2451*, 1453*, 2401, 2408-09].

34. What is reparation?

Reparation in general is making amends for a wrong done against another. In the case of theft, reparation requires the return of stolen goods to their owner. [glossary, 2454*, 2412].

35. Must contracts by abided by?

Promises must be kept and contracts must be observed to the extent that the commitments made in them are morally just. [2410].

36. Is there a limit to the morally allowable exploitation of natural resources?

The exploitation of mineral, vegetable and animal resources must respect the moral imperatives of concern for the quality of life of all mankind, including future generations. [2456*, 2415].

37. What is the status of animals?

Animals are entrusted to man's stewardship; he must show them kindness. They may be used to serve the just satisfaction of man's needs, such as his requirements for food and clothing. [2457*, 2416-18].

38. When does the Church judge economic systems?

The Church makes a judgment about economic and social matters when the fundamental rights of the person or the salvation of souls requires it. The goods created by God for everyone should in fact reach everyone in accordance with justice, and with the help of charity. Government spending should take into account a preferential option for poor so that their needs receive high priority. [2459*].

39. What does the Church say about wages?

A just wage is the legitimate fruit of work. In determining fair pay both the needs and the contributions of each person must be taken into account. [2434].

40. Is it legitimate to strike?

Recourse to a strike is morally acceptable when it is necessary to obtain a proportionate benefit. [2435].

41. What is the status of giving alms to the poor?

Giving alms to the poor is a witness to fraternal charity, as well as a work of justice pleasing to God. [2462*].

Eighth Commandment

42. What is the eighth commandment?

The eighth commandment is: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." (Ex 20:16, cf. Deut 5:20). [2464].

43. What does the eighth commandment forbid?

The eighth commandment forbids lying, or in any way misrepresenting the truth in our relations with others. The gravity of a lie depends on the truth that it deforms, the circumstances, the intentions of the liar, and the harm suffered by the victims. [2508*, 2482-86].

44. What are detraction and calumny?

Detraction is the disclosure of another's sins, without a valid reason, to persons who do not know about them, thereby causing unjust injury to another's reputation. Calumny is a false statement which harms another's reputation. Both can be grievous offenses, requiring reparation. [glossary, 2507*, 2479].

45. What are some other sins against truth?

Other sins against the eighth commandment are boasting, deception, duplicity, excessive flattery, false witness and perjury, hypocrisy, and rash judgment. [2505*, 2476-2481].

46. Do offenses against the truth require reparation, namely making amends for the wrong done?

Every offense committed against justice and truth entails the duty of reparation, even if the offender has been forgiven. This duty is especially important when someone's reputation is seriously damaged. [2509*, 2487].

47. What secrets must be kept?

The secret of the sacrament of reconciliation is sacred, and cannot be violated under any pretext. Professional secrets, such as those involving doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc., must be kept. Confidences prejudicial to another are not to be divulged. [2511*, 2490-92].

48. What is the responsibility of the communications media concerning truth?

Society has a right to information based on truth, freedom, and justice. Journalists and civil authorities have the obligation to serve the truth, and not offend against charity in publicizing information. [2512*, 2493-99].

49. What is the role of sacred art?

Sacred art should be directed toward expressing in some manner the infinite beauty of God in works made by human hands. This art should be devoted to turning people's minds devoutly toward God. [2513*, 2500-2503].

Ninth Commandment

50. What is the ninth commandment?

The ninth commandment is:"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife." (Deut 5:21, Ex 20:17). [2514].

51. What was the famous comment of Jesus on the ninth commandment?

"Everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart". (Mt 5:28). [2528*].

52. What does the ninth commandment warn us against?

This commandment warns us against lust or carnal concupiscence. [2529*].

53. What is covetousness?

Covetousness is a disordered inclination or desire for pleasure or possessions. It is one of the seven capital sins, and is forbidden by the ninth and tenth commandments. [glossary, 2514, 2534].

54. What is concupiscence?

Concupiscence corresponds to human appetites or desires which are disordered as a result of original sin, which remain even after Baptism, and which produce an inclination to sin. St. Paul identifies concupiscence as a rebellion of the "flesh" against the "spirit". (cf. Gal 5:16, 17, 24; Eph 2:3). [glossary, 2515].

55. How do we acquire purity of heart?

Purity of heart enables us to see things in harmony with the perspective of God. It can be acquired by prayer, the practice of chastity, purity of intention and of vision. It requires modesty. [2530*-2533*, 2517-19].

56. What is modesty?

Modesty, an important aspect of the virtue of temperance, is patience, decency, and discretion. It protects the intimate center of a person. It refuses to unveil what should remain hidden, and inspires one's choice of clothing. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. [2533*, 2521-24].

57. How do we fault the contemporary social climate?

The present day social climate encourages a widespread eroticism which needs to be corrected. The communications media should show concern for respect and constraint, especially in these matters. Educators should give instruction respectful of the moral and spiritual dignity of man. [2525-27].

Tenth Commandment

58. What is the tenth commandment?

The tenth commandment is "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods". (Ex 20:17; Deut 5:21). [2534].

59. What does the tenth commandment forbid?

The tenth commandment forbids greed and avarice arising from a passion for riches and their attendant power. It forbids envy, namely resentment or sadness at another's good fortune, and the desire to have it for oneself. [glossary, 2552*, 2553*, 2534-40].

60. How can envy be combated?

Envy can be controlled through good will, humility, and abandonment to the providence of God. [2554*].

61 What does the Lord say about the rich?

The Lord grieves over the rich, because they find their consolation in the abundance of goods. (Lk 6:20). Detachment from riches, that is poverty in spirit, is needed for entering the kingdom of heaven. [2556*, 2547].