The Nature of Moral Conscience

Moral conscience is described as an intrinsic law that individuals discover within themselves, which they have not created but are compelled to obey. This innate conscience serves as a guide, urging people to choose good and avoid evil, as highlighted in the discussion referencing Gaudium et spes. The concept likens conscience to a foundational voice of Christ, existing innately in our hearts, and emphasizes that a well-formed conscience depends on recognizing moral truths and adhering to them. Understanding that conscience is fundamentally a judgment of reason, rather than merely a gut feeling, is crucial for making moral decisions and discerning right from wrong.