Conscience: Types & Formation
• "Our Inner Guide to Choosing
What is Right"
• “Conscience is man’s most
secret core and his sanctuary.”
– CCC 1776
Definition of Conscience
• The inner voice that guides a person to
choose what is right and avoid what is
wrong.
• A combination of moral awareness, reason,
and responsibility.
• Believed to be the law of God written in the
human heart (Romans 2:15).
• Not just a feeling — requires knowledge,
reflection, and moral judgment.
Importance of Conscience
• Helps us make moral decisions in everyday
life.
• Serves as a moral compass when facing
difficult choices.
• Protects us from doing harm to ourselves
and others.
• Strengthens our relationship with God and
others.
Types of Conscience (Part 1)
• Correct (True) Conscience - Judges an action in line
with truth and moral law.
• Example: Choosing honesty even when lying seems
easier.
• Erroneous (False) Conscience - Misjudges right and
wrong due to ignorance or wrong beliefs.
• Example: Thinking gossip is harmless when it actually
harms others.
Types of Conscience (Part 2)
• Certain Conscience - Acts with full
confidence in a moral decision.
• Example: Being sure that helping a
stranger is the right thing to do.
• Doubtful Conscience - Hesitant and
unsure about the morality of an action.
• Example: Not knowing if a certain joke is
offensive or not.
Types of Conscience (Part 3)
• Scrupulous Conscience - Overly afraid of
sinning, even in innocent actions.
• Example: Feeling guilty for harmless mistakes.
• Lax Conscience - Fails to recognize sin or
downplays its seriousness.
• Example: Ignoring the harm of cheating on a
test.
Forming a Good Conscience (Part 1)
• Seek the Truth - Learn moral
teachings and the Bible.
• Avoid false information or moral
relativism.
• Pray for Guidance - Ask God and the
Holy Spirit for wisdom.
• Strengthens moral clarity.
Forming a Good Conscience (Part 2)
• Examine Your Actions - Practice daily
examination of conscience.
• Recognize faults and areas for
improvement.
• Learn from Experience - Reflect on
past mistakes and apply lessons
learned.
Forming a Good Conscience (Part 3)
• Seek Counsel - Consult mentors,
parents, priests, or trusted
people.
• Practice Virtue - Build good
habits like honesty, patience,
kindness, and justice.
Summary & Reflection
• Conscience is a gift and responsibility.
• We must train and guide it to make sound moral decisions.
• Reflection Question: "How can I make sure my conscience is guiding me toward truth and goodness in daily
life?"
