SCRIPTURE

IN
MORAL THEOLOGY

Reported by:
Marcelino A. Rapayla Jr.
 SCRIPTURE
Vatican II renewal of moral
theology that it be more
thoroughly nourished by
scriptural teaching.

Scripture ought to inform and

shape the Christian moral life.

Scripture is a point of reference for

moral decision-making. It is a Soul
of Moral Theology (DV., n.24)
Pre-critical use of Scripture

Pre-critical use of scripture which

was so prevalent in much of Roman
Catholic morality.

- Proof text method

a form of corroboration whereby
scripture enters indirectly and
largely as an afterthought to
support conclusions reached
natural law reasoning.
 Critical use of Scripture

Critical integration of scripture

into moral reflection, show briefly
how it functions in illuminative
and prescriptive way to influence
the twofold range of interest in
moral theology: character and
action.
 Four Tasks of the
Critical Integration of Scripture
The Exegetical Task
- determining the meaning of
the text in its original setting (the
authors intention).

The Hermeneutical Task

- determining the meaning of
the text for today (application).
 Four Tasks of the
Critical Integration of Scripture
Magisterium (The Servant of the
Word)
1. It is the Official Teaching Authority
of the Church.
2. It is formed by Pope and college of
bishops in communion with him.

The Methodological Task

- using scripture within the
various levels of moral reflection.
 Four Tasks of the
Critical Integration of Scripture
The Theological Task
- explaining the relationship of
scripture to other sources of moral
wisdom.
 Functions of the Scripture
Revealed Reality
- This is the illuminative
function of scripture (e.g. Bible
stories). It provides the theological
framework that informs our moral life.
The Word of God (in both, Scripture
and Tradition, as a single deposit of
faith) is the heart of moral theology.
The Word of God is a person (Christ).
 Functions of the Scripture
Revelation
- is the self-communication of
God to people. Revelation is an
experience of and with God.

1. The first form of revelation is the

experience of God through deeds and
works.
2. The second is the experience of
communicating what we have
learned from the first experience.
 Functions of the Scripture
3. The third aspect is the moment of the
written text (Scripture).

4. The forth step is the moment of

interpretation of the scripture through
the light of faith.
 Functions of the Scripture
Revealed Morality
- This is the prescriptive (or
normative) function of scripture (e.g.,
Decalogue, Wisdom sayings) by offering
an authoritative guidance for judgment
and behavior.
 Analysis:
- This is the prescriptive (or
normative) function of scripture (e.g.,
Decalogue, Wisdom sayings) by offering
an authoritative guidance for judgment
and behavior.
 Conclusion:
- There are many different opinions
concerning the use of Scripture in
development of moral theology. The search
for an absolute may be a noble one, however
the better search to me would be to become
educated not only in the words of the Bible
but about the Bible. In learning about the
bible we can gain an understanding of its
place in our lives and use the messages it
provides to assist us in our attempts to make
moral decisions that allow us to live our lives
consistent with the will of God..