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Veritatis Splendor: The Splendor of Truth, Part 3

In this final article, introducing Veritatis Splendor, Alan Schreck explains how John Paul II clarified Catholic teaching in relation to other moral positions.

A controversial topic that Pope John Paul II addresses in Chapter 2 is the modern theological concept of ‘fundamental choice’ or ‘fundamental option’. The Biblical basis for this notion is that the ‘obedience of faith’ (cf. Rom 16:26) by which a person entrusts his whole self to God (cf. Vatican II, DV 5; VS 66). In the Old Testament, Israel’s fundamental decision is whom they will obey or serve. ‘Choose this day’, Joshua urges the people, ‘whom you will serve!’ (Joshua 24:15). ‘The morality of the New Covenant is similarly dominated by the fundamental call of Jesus to follow him, ‘the invitation he gives to the young man’ (VS 66; Mt 19:21). We have the freedom to respond to that call to serve the Lord, but as St. Paul warns, ‘do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh’ (Gal 5:13).

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Dr. Alan Schreck is a professor of theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, specializing in Catholic doctrine, Church history, and the teachings of Vatican II. He is the author of several books including The Essential Catholic Catechism, published in 1999; Vatican II: The Crisis and the Promise, published by St. Anthony Messenger Press in 2005. In 2004 his noted apologetic book, Catholic and Christian: An Explanation of Commonly Misunderstood Catholic Beliefs, was reprinted in a 20th Anniversary edition. His latest book is The Legacy of Pope John Paul II: The Central Teaching of His 14 Encyclical Letterswhich can be ordered through this website. He and his wife Nancy have five children and reside in Steubenville.

This article is from The Sower and may be copied for catechetical purposes only. It may not be reprinted in another published work without the permission of Maryvale Institute. Contact [email protected]

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