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.

Outlines

00:00

📖 The Significance of Elijah's Stories

The speaker begins by expressing their admiration for the stories of Elijah, found in the first book of Kings, which they recommend as an entry point for those new to the Bible. Elijah's name, meaning 'Yahweh is my God,' signifies his unwavering devotion to the one true God. The speaker uses the concept of worship to explain how one's highest value dictates their actions and identity. Elijah's confrontation with King Ahab and his subsequent flight to Mount Horeb are recounted, highlighting a pivotal scene where Elijah experiences God's presence not in the dramatic events but in a 'still, small voice.' This voice is likened to the conscience, which Cardinal Newman describes as the 'Aboriginal Vicar of Christ in the soul,' a divine guide that rewards and punishes in a unique, personal way, distinct from other internal voices or societal influences.

05:00

🔍 The Voice of Conscience: Elijah's Lesson for Today

Continuing the discussion on Elijah, the speaker contrasts the feeling of writing a good article with the shame felt after a morally wrong act, emphasizing the profound impact of the conscience. Cardinal Newman's view is reiterated, suggesting that the conscience is a 'voice' that places us in the presence of a loved one, evoking feelings of pleasing or disappointing that person. The speaker then relates this to Elijah's story, noting that Elijah's life was an embodiment of God's will, with all other aspects of his life aligning with this central devotion. The challenge of hearing the conscience amidst the cacophony of modern life is raised, with the speaker urging, especially young people, to heed the 'still, small voice' of conscience, as it is the true guide to a morally fulfilling life. The narrative concludes with a warning against the allure of worldly gains that could lead to the loss of one's soul, as per the biblical adage.

Keywords

💡Elijah

Elijah is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his unwavering devotion to Yahweh. In the video, Elijah is presented as a symbol of clarity in one's values and faith. His name, 'Elijah' or 'Eliahu' in Hebrew, means 'Yahweh is my God,' emphasizing his ultimate value and the focus of his life. The video uses Elijah's story to illustrate the importance of heeding one's conscience and staying true to one's moral compass, as exemplified by Elijah's confrontation with King Ahab and his retreat to Mount Horeb.

💡Conscience

Conscience in the video is depicted as the 'Aboriginal Vicar of Christ in the soul,' a phrase attributed to Cardinal Newman. It represents the inner voice that distinguishes right from wrong, guiding moral decisions. The video contrasts conscience with other internal and external influences, suggesting that while these can shape behavior, conscience has a unique power and clarity. It is likened to the 'tiny Whispering voice' Elijah hears on Mount Horeb, which is distinct from the louder, more forceful voices that can distract from moral truth.

💡Worship

Worship, as used in the video, refers to the act of revering and valuing something or someone to the highest degree. It is introduced to explain that a person's priorities and values can be discerned by what they worship. Elijah worships Yahweh, indicating his commitment to God above all else. The concept is used to encourage viewers to reflect on their own priorities and the 'gods' they might be serving, whether it be materialism, pleasure, or other worldly pursuits.

💡Mount Horeb

Mount Horeb, also known as the Mountain of God, is the location where Elijah encounters Yahweh in the form of a 'tiny Whispering voice' after a series of dramatic events including an earthquake, wind, and fire. In the video, this location symbolizes a place of divine revelation and introspection. It is contrasted with the louder, more destructive forces that precede God's presence, highlighting the subtle yet profound nature of conscience and moral guidance.

💡Yahweh

Yahweh is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as 'I AM WHO I AM.' In the video, Yahweh represents the ultimate authority and the object of Elijah's worship. The name is used to emphasize Elijah's dedication to God and to illustrate the idea that one's values and actions should be aligned with their highest good, as represented by Yahweh in Elijah's life.

💡False God

The concept of a 'false god' is introduced in the context of King Ahab's deviation from the worship of Yahweh, which leads to Elijah's confrontation. In the video, false gods symbolize the的诱惑 and distractions that can lead one away from their moral and spiritual center. They represent the competing values and priorities that can overshadow the voice of conscience and true worship.

💡Queen Jezebel

Queen Jezebel is mentioned as the wife of King Ahab, who actively pursues Elijah for his opposition to the worship of false gods. She represents the forces of opposition and persecution that one might face when standing up for their convictions. The video uses her character to illustrate the challenges and the courage required to maintain one's moral stance in the face of adversity.

💡Tiny Whispering Voice

The 'tiny Whispering voice' is a metaphor for the voice of conscience in the video. It is the quiet, inner voice that guides moral judgment and is heard by Elijah on Mount Horeb. This voice is contrasted with the louder, more forceful voices of the world, suggesting that true moral clarity comes from listening to this subtle yet powerful inner guidance.

💡Cardinal Newman

Cardinal John Henry Newman is referenced in the video as a figure who revered the role of conscience. He is quoted as calling conscience the 'Aboriginal Vicar of Christ in the soul,' indicating its sacred and authoritative nature. The video uses Newman's perspective to underscore the importance of conscience as a divine guide and the need to honor it above other influences.

💡Moral Clarity

Moral clarity is a central theme in the video, reflecting the ability to discern right from wrong and to act accordingly. It is exemplified by Elijah's actions and his ability to hear and respond to the voice of conscience. The video encourages viewers to seek this clarity amidst the noise of competing voices and values, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from aligning one's life with moral truth.

Highlights

Elijah stories are recommended for those new to the Bible.

Elijah's name means 'Yahweh is my God', reflecting his devotion to Yahweh.

Worship is defined as what holds the highest value in a person's life.

Elijah's life exemplifies clarity in worshiping Yahweh above all else.

Elijah's confrontation with King Ahab symbolizes the battle against false worship.

Queen Jezebel's pursuit of Elijah represents the resistance to true faith.

Horeb, the Mountain of God, is where Elijah encounters Yahweh.

The absence of Yahweh in the earthquake, wind, and fire is a pivotal moment in the narrative.

Elijah hears a 'tiny whispering voice', signifying the voice of conscience.

Cardinal Newman's view on conscience as the 'Aboriginal Vicar of Christ in the soul' is discussed.

Conscience is distinguished from personal achievements or failures, such as writing an article.

The feeling of shame is associated with moral wrongdoing, not with personal shortcomings.

Elijah's ability to hear the 'little voice' is a metaphor for listening to one's conscience.

The challenge of hearing the conscience amidst the 'thousand voices' of culture is highlighted.

The warning against prioritizing worldly gains over one's soul is emphasized.

Young people are urged to listen to the 'tiny whispering voice' of conscience.

Transcripts

[Music]

I'm a great fan of the Elijah stories

which can be found in the first book of

Kings I often tell people if you're

interested in the Bible you want to get

into it for the first time uh begin with

those stories about Elijah they're very

uh interesting kind of adventurous um

and Elijah is a figure whose name gives

away the game Elijah is an anglicization

of eliyahu in Hebrew l means god yahu

means

Yahweh Yahweh is my God that's who

Elijah is he's someone who's very clear

on his ultimate value which is Yahweh

I've often said you can tell an awful

lot about a person by what they worship

worship just means uh worship that's

where the word comes from um what's of

highest worth to you what's of highest

value so if you're

familyes of highest value you're you're

a family man you're a family woman if

your business is most important to you

you're a company man you know if uh if

sex is most important to you you're a

Playboy or a play girl um pleasure is

the most important thing you're a Good

Time Charlie I mean you can name

somebody from what they worship Elijah

is eminently clear about whom he

worships it's Yahweh and therefore

everything else in his life flows from

that everything he think everything he

does think for example we we are

introduced to Elijah when he confronts

King Ahab who had gone over to the

worship of false god so of course the

man of God is going to stand to thwart

that move that's why Queen Jezebel

ahab's wife goes after Elijah and chases

him he runs away from her and he comes

the Bible tells us to Horeb the Mountain

of God and now this famous scene

unfolds Elijah's there on Mount Si the

Mountain of God and it says says the

Lord will be passing

by and then there followed a great

earthquake there followed A Mighty Wind

that shattered the Rocks there followed

a great fire by the way three things

that were on Mount Si when Moses was

there so three classical signs of God's

presence but the Lord is not in the

earthquake or the wind or the fire then

Elijah hears a tiny Whispering voice and

he covers his head with his prophet's

mantle and he goes out to listen because

the Lord is in that little voice right

beautiful scene very

lyrical what's it getting at I think

it's getting at

conscience what's the tiny Whispering

voice it's that voice that we all

recognize that tells us right from wrong

that rewards Us in this absolutely

unique way when we've done something

that's generous and kind and godly and

that punishes us

in that absolutely unique way when we've

done something that runs uh counter to

God's will Cardinal Newman one of my

great Heroes referred to the conscience

as the Aboriginal Vicor of Christ in the

soul so Newman reverence the pope as the

Vicor of Christ but he said there's a

more original Vicor of Christ in the

soul a representative of Christ namely

the voice of the

conscience now I know we're all post

freudians we to say well conscience you

know that's just the internalized voice

of your father that's the inherited

Prejudice of your Society that's all

your Hang-Ups etc etc well say that all

you want you know and those things are

real I get all that but say it all you

want you cannot reduce the conscience to

those things there's something that is

just so powerful and clear and integral

about it that we know it's not just a

matter of Hang-Ups and repressions or

internalized voices of the father

there's something about the conscience

that presses upon us with enormous power

you know let me get at it too and I'm

using Newman here as an inspiration by

way of

contrast so I write an article every

week that's part of my job and and I

kind of have a sense having written

things for many many years that's a good

one you know that article was good I've

got an inner sense that tells me yeah

that article was it's good it's clear

it's interesting Etc I've also got a a

pretty clear sense when an article is

isn't so good I'll say well that one was

it's okay but it's not really up to par

or that's really a that's really a

second rate article now I know that

feeling and I know the the

positive uh quality of that feeling I

also know the negative quality of that

feeling my point is it's not like the

conscience what I feel when I say yeah

I've written a good article it's good

it's a good feeling it's not like the

feeling that I get from doing something

morally right or the feeling I get from

writing a bad article it's bad but it's

not like the feeling of conscience when

I've done something morally wrong we'd

use the word shame there you know I'm

ashamed when I do something that is

cruel or unjust or manipulative uh or

disrespectful I feel ashamed of that I

don't feel ashamed when I write a bad

article I feel bad about it I regret it

you might say but I don't feel ashamed

and see here's Cardinal Newman's

point we call the conscience a

voice I don't call that sensibility

about the article a voice the voice of

my literary sensibility told me I I

don't say that but I do say the voice of

my conscience told me that's the right

thing to do or that was a bad thing to

do now why why because the conscience

places Us in the presence of someone

that we love that when you are rewarded

by your conscience it's the feeling you

get when you've pleased someone that you

love when you are punished by your

conscience it's the feeling you get when

you have hurt or disappointed someone

that you love you see that's why the

conscience is the Aboriginal Vicor of

Christ in the soul it's the contact we

have if you

want with the personal God who rewards

us and who chides us when we're less

than

what we should be go back to Elijah now

eliahu the man of God Elijah was ordered

to God his whole life was about God

everything else fell in place around

that the point of that story from First

Kings is Elijah had the great grace to

be able to hear that little voice see

the problem is the conscience can be

drowned out the conscience can be

ignored we can we can look the other way

because there are a thousand voices

competing for our attention thousand

voices and they're more like earthquakes

and fire and wind they're more

extraordinary and they call out to us

live this way do this don't do that

think of a a kid coming of age now in

our culture being told In A Million Ways

here's what you should do here's the

life you should lead follow this person

do do you have the capacity amidst all

those voices to hear that tiny

Whispering voice voice CU that's the one

you got to pay attention

to the Lord said it profits a man

nothing to gain the whole world and lose

his

soul you know there are voices that are

calling out to young people that might

actually promise them and even deliver

to them the whole world all the the

pleasure and money and power and so on

they want but how tragic if you follow

those voices but in the process lose

your soul which means lose what your

conscience is telling you so I would

urge especially young people listening

to this video is think of that scene of

the Prophet Elijah on God's holy

mountain as he

hears that one

voice that's the one you need to follow

[Music]