Catholic ethics and values reflect the beliefs and practices of Catholics. the ten primary Catholic values are: respect for human life, respect for human dignity, respect for creation, justice, love and compassion, service, forgiveness, peace, faithfulness, and integrity (adapted from Catholic Catechist, 2016). These values are described briefly below. Since respect for human life is one of the most important values to Catholics, more attention is paid to its description here.
Respect for Human Life
Catholics believe that men and women are created in God’s image. Therefore, human life is considered precious and sacred in all it forms from embryo to advanced old age, regardless of whether a person is healthy, sick, or disabled. From this belief come the Catholic teachings concerning abortion, physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia, and suicide.
Abortion. The Catholic Catechism states: “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognised as having the rights of a person – among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being in life. Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law. Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. “A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae,” “by the very commission of the offense…”” (CCC, Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2:2270-2272).
These views, says the Catholic Catechism, are based on the following three Biblical scriptures:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you” (Jeremiah 1:5)
“My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth” (Psalm 22:10-11)
“For so many marvels I thank you; a wonder am I, and all your works are wonders. You knew me through and through, my being held no secrets from you, when I was being formed in secret, textured in the depths of the earth. Your eyes could see my embryo. In your book all my days were inscribed, every one that was fixed is there” (Psalm 139:14-16)
Physician-Assisted Suicide or Euthanasia. The Catechism is also clear in stating: “Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible. Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable” (CCC Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2:2276-2277). Elsewhere, the Catechism states: “Voluntary co-operation in suicide [for physicians] is contrary to the moral law” (CCC Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2:2282).
Suicide. With regard to taking one’s own life by suicide, the Catechism states: “Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honour and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of… Suicide is contrary to love for the living God. If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal” (CCC Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2:2280-2282).
Until recent times the decision to end one’s life was considered a “mortal sin” that forever condemned the person to hell (in part, because the person was unable to confess the sin and receive absolution for it before death) (Makinen, 2014). Believing that suicide may separate a person from loved ones for all eternity was a powerful belief that kep Catholics from committing suicide (as Emile Durkheim, the founder of modern sociology, observed in 1897). Many family members of those who died from suicide, then, grieved heavily since there was no possibility of their seeing the loved one ever again. However, the latest version of the Catechism has made mental illness an exception to this earlier rule that promises eternal damnation, instead leaving it up to God: “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide. We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives” (CCC Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2:2282-2283).
Respect for Human Dignity
This value, related to respect for human life, includes the belief that all people are unique, have something to offer, and have infinite worth and value to the Creator (CCC Part 2, Section 1, Chapter 1). This leads to efforts to defend human rights wherever they are being violated.
Respect for Creation
Catholics value the natural world’s beauty and feel responsible for being a good steward of this beauty, which is under their care. Thus, Catholics advocate for initiatives that preserve the environment for future generations, rather than destroy it. The Catechism says: “The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity. Use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man’s dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbour, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation.” (CCC Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2:2415).
Justice
Justice is one of the four “cardinal” virtues that Catholics believe are pivotal and around which all other virtues are grouped (temperance, prudence, justice, courage). The Catechism says: “Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbour. Justice toward God is called the “virtue of religion.” Justice towards men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good. The just man, often mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbour. “You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbour.” “Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven”” (CCC Part 3, Section 1, Chapter 1:1807). Justice includes following the laws of the state and governing authorities (based on Romans 13:1-5, Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13-17).