The Dynamic Concept of the Natural Law and the Czech Theological Tradition

The idea of natural law comes from ancient Greek philosophy where it was understood as predominantly static. Transferred into the Christian theology, it was also understood as something stable, immovable, and unchangeable. Many examples of this can be shown, including those from the Czech tradition of moral theology from the period prior to the Second Vatican Council. The present document represents a completely different approach: Natural moral law is something dynamic, connected with the human conscience, ways of self-realization and of discerning good and evil. It does not represent heteronomous control of the conscience from outside but is a principal orientation in which a person makes decisions based on his or her own responsibility. The document is proof of the ability of the Church to react to changes in society, to develop its teaching and self-understanding.

Keywords: Theology; Ethics; Natural Law; Dynamism; Teaching of the church