Action Alert!

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Share this paragraph of the Catechism:

To Catechism home page

Paragraph:

1753 A good intention (for example, that of helping one's neighbor) does not make behavior that is intrinsically disordered, such as lying and calumny, good or just. The end does not justify the means. Thus the condemnation of an innocent person cannot be justified as a legitimate means of saving the nation. On the other hand, an added bad intention (such as vainglory) makes an act evil that, in and of itself, can be good (such as almsgiving). 39

Move forward or back a paragraph: Previous | Next

Where this paragraph appears in the Catechism:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

»

PART THREE: LIFE IN CHRIST

»

SECTION ONE: MAN'S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

»

CHAPTER ONE: THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

»

ARTICLE 4: THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

Notes for the above paragraph:

39 Cf. Mt 6:24.

English Translation of the Cathechism of the Catholic Church for the United States of America © 1997, United States Catholic Conference, Inc.

To Catechism home page