Bordeyne, Philippe
Conscience and discernment according to Amoris Laetitia: Consenting to grace as far as our limits
- 2017.
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Chapter 8 of Amoris Laetitia promotes personal and pastoral discernment for persons living a second stable union after a divorce. Such a proposal rests on moral anthropology which can be understood in light of Pope Francis’ philosophical and theological sources (Paul Ricœur et Romano Guardini). These sources lead him to envisage the action of grace within our limits as human beings, and to rally the faithful to consent in faith. As a moral authority and disposition, conscience enables the baptized to exercise discernment on what is potentially good and what virtues are in accordance with the Catholic tradition. When being denied access to the Eucharist gravely threatens a proven state of grace, sacraments can be of help, on a case by case basis and with discretion.