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Question
How would you answer the question "Is it better to do the right thing for the wrong reason or the wrong thing for the right reasons"???? A teenager recently posed this question and I'm not sure how to answer. I would say that right and wrong are objective things, so it's always better to do the right thing, no matter your motivation. Can you cite any Catholic or ethical teaching on this matter?
Peace
I would point out some acts are always a moral evil, yet our degree of guilt is determine by how freely we corrobarate in doing the act. You might also want share on the prinicipal of double effect, mortal vs. venial sin and similar points of moral doctrine.
your servant in Christ
George
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Answers by Expert:
George A. Card,sfo, M.I
Expertise
I am willing to attempt to answer any question. If I don’t know the answer, I will look-up or pass the question on to friends for feed back. Beside Catholicism (especially the social/moral and the Eastern rites), I am well read on Mormonism and so-called Modern Christian Fundamentalism. Also I study Franciscan History as means of growing in my lay Franciscan calling to holiness in Christ.
Experience
20+ years as the Justice and Peace Laison for my (local)Secular Franciscan Fraternity,22+ years public speaking on the Faith,and/or teaching CCD and Youth Retreats,a former Officer for K of C and my SFO Fraternity,still hold appointed offices in local SFO fraternity
Organizations
Catholic Church, Rome Rite
Secular Fraciscan Order
Knights of Columbus
The Men's Study (A local Catholic study group I co founded)
Others
Militia Immaculata(Knights of the Immaculate
Publications
Local News Letters:Mostly my Poetry
Education/Credentials
2 years of Minor Seminary
Bible and Adult Faith Studies and Seminars
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