Bishop Barron on Conscience and Morality

Summary

In this video, the speaker delves into the biblical stories of Elijah, highlighting his unwavering devotion to Yahweh and the significance of his name, which translates to 'Yahweh is my God.' The narrative pivots on Elijah's encounter on Mount Horeb, where he discerns God's presence not in the dramatic phenomena of earthquake, wind, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This whisper symbolizes conscience, which Cardinal Newman describes as the Aboriginal Vicar of Christ in the soul. The speaker urges listeners, especially the youth, to heed the quiet voice of conscience amidst the clamor of worldly influences, warning against the peril of losing one's soul in pursuit of worldly gains.

Takeaways

• 📖 Elijah's story is a great starting point for anyone new to the Bible, offering adventure and lessons.
• 🙌 Elijah’s name means 'Yahweh is my God,' highlighting his clear devotion to God.
• 🙏 A person’s values are revealed by what they worship, be it family, career, or pleasure.
• 👑 Elijah's story starts with his confrontation of King Ahab, who turned to false gods, showing Elijah’s steadfastness in faith.
• 🔥 Elijah’s encounter with God on Mount Horeb (Sinai) emphasizes that God was not in the powerful elements (wind, earthquake, fire), but in a quiet whisper, symbolizing the voice of conscience.
• 💭 The whispering voice of God reflects our conscience, guiding us to discern right from wrong.
• 🕊 Cardinal Newman referred to the conscience as the 'Aboriginal Vicar of Christ,' emphasizing its deep moral authority.
• 🧠 Though modern thought (post-Freudian) often reduces conscience to learned behaviors, the script argues that conscience is an irreducible, powerful force.
• 📜 The difference between literary judgment (feeling good about writing) and moral judgment (feeling shame or pride) illustrates the unique role of conscience.
• 🎯 Elijah’s ability to hear the quiet voice of God amidst distractions is a lesson in focusing on what truly matters, especially for young people in a world full of competing voices.

Q & A

Who is Elijah in the context of the Bible?

Elijah is a prophet in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the First Book of Kings, known for his unwavering devotion to Yahweh and his confrontations with the worship of false gods.

What is the meaning of the name 'Elijah'?

The name 'Elijah' is an anglicization of 'Eliyahu' in Hebrew, which means 'Yahweh is my God', signifying Elijah's clear devotion to Yahweh.

What does the speaker suggest about a person's worship?

The speaker suggests that a person's worship reveals their highest value or what they hold most dear, as it dictates their actions and thoughts.

Why does the speaker recommend starting with the stories of Elijah when reading the Bible for the first time?

The speaker recommends starting with Elijah's stories because they are adventurous, interesting, and provide a clear example of someone whose life is guided by their faith.

What does the confrontation between Elijah and King Ahab signify?

The confrontation signifies Elijah's role as a defender of Yahweh against the worship of false gods, which was promoted by King Ahab.

Why does Queen Jezebel chase Elijah?

Queen Jezebel chases Elijah because he opposes her and King Ahab's worship of false gods, which conflicts with her own religious beliefs.

What is the significance of the events on Mount Horeb as described in the script?

The events on Mount Horeb, including the earthquake, wind, and fire, symbolize the presence of God, but ultimately, it is the 'still, small voice' that represents God's true communication with Elijah.

How does the speaker relate the 'still, small voice' to conscience?

The speaker relates the 'still, small voice' to conscience by suggesting that it is the inner voice that guides us in discerning right from wrong, similar to how conscience operates.

Who is Cardinal Newman and what does he say about conscience?

Cardinal Newman is one of the speaker's heroes, a 19th-century theologian who referred to the conscience as the 'Aboriginal Vicar of Christ in the soul', indicating its divine and authoritative nature.

What is the difference between the feeling of having written a good article and the feeling of conscience, according to the speaker?

The feeling of having written a good article is a personal satisfaction, whereas the feeling of conscience is a deeper, more significant response that places us in the presence of someone we love, reflecting moral rightness or wrongness.

What challenge does the speaker pose to young people regarding their conscience?

The speaker challenges young people to discern and listen to their conscience amidst the many competing voices of culture, urging them to prioritize their soul over worldly gains.