Abstract

Two areas of moral theology where many misunderstand Catholic teaching and find themselves deviating from traditional moral norms are conscience and truth. Many find conscience to be a means through which one can reshape ethical judgments, and truth to be derived from one’s own conscience. The model for an authentic understanding of conscience and the reality of universal moral norms is found in the writings and preaching of Saint John Paul II. This essay offers an overview of conscience and truth according to the Pope, and thereby give readers some idea of how a defense of conscience and truth can be made against contemporary challenges.