Independent Arbiter

John Henry Newman - English theologian, academic, philosopher, historian, scholar and poet, first as an Anglican priest and later as a Catholic priest, explicates his understanding of conscience.

What is conscience?

The word itself means ‘with knowledge.’

So I can do away with the idea that conscience is some subjective reality giving me free reign to think, feel and act as I want.

Rather, conscience is ‘our most secret core and sanctuary where we are alone with God whose voice echoes in our depths’:

Deep within our conscience we discover a law which we have not laid upon ourselves but which we must obey. This voice calls us to do good and avoid evil (CCC 1776).

In a devastating critique of what he calls ‘religions of the day,’ Newman explicates his understanding of conscience:

Conscience is no longer recognised as an independent arbiter of actions, its authority is explained away (The Religion of the Day, 24, I).

When this happens, we are lulled into a false sense of security. The Word of God of course warns us against this:

Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16).

Frightening!

But it’s all because:

We have not acted from a love of the Truth, but from the influence of the Age.

Which path will we follow?

Amen.