The Good, The Bad & The Indifferent!

Are all actions either good or bad in themselves? No; besides good and bad acts there are also in different acts. What is an indifferent act? An indifferent act is one which is neither commanded nor forbidden ; which is innocent and allowed in itself, but which under certain circumstances can become bad. Under what circumstances can such an act become bad? It can become bad when it carries with it certain bad effects which we are bound to avoid. Give some examples. It is in itself an innocent thing to throw stones out of the window; but if there is danger of breaking people’s heads down below, it is not allowed. It is in itself an innocent thing to read ; but if the book happens to contain anything which does harm to religion, or tempts us to sin, the reading becomes bad. It is allowed to enjoy amusement which is not sinful in itself ; but if it takes us away from our duty it becomes bad. Going to the races and laying a bet is allowed; but if it runs the risk of ruining ourselves or our family it becomes bad. Speaking about facts is in itself innocent ; but if it causes mischief to do so, we ought to keep silence instead. Offering a drink to a friend is allowed; but if it will tempt him to get drunk it becomes bad.

Is there any way m which even a good act can become bad? Yes, even a good act can become bad if done with bad intention or for a bad purpose. Give some examples. Suppose a man gives charity to a poor person in order afterwards to draw that person into sin. Suppose a man pays another man’s debts in order to get him under his evil power. Suppose a man professes a certain religion simply in order to gain some worldly advantage. Suppose a man gives money not out of charity but merely to flatter his own vanity and pride.

If we have some good purpose in view, may we use any means which will help us to it? We may use any means which are innocent, but we must not use any means which are sin. Give some examples. Suppose we wish to help the poor or support our family, we are not allowed to steal or cheat for that purpose. Suppose we want to help a friend on, we are not allowed to give him a false certificate or testimonial. Suppose we wish to save a friend from trouble, we are not allowed to tell lies in his favour, or to bribe the police. Suppose we want to stop a bad man from doing harm to others, we are not allowed to shoot him to get him out of the way. Suppose we want to pass an examination to help us on in life, we are not allowed to cheat by getting a secret look at the examination paper beforehand. 134- What famous saying contains this truth? The saying : ” We must not do evil that good may come. What about the saying that ” The end justifies the means “? As a general principle it is not true; a good end never justifies an evil means. But does not the end sometimes justify the means? In a certain sense it does ; that is to say, there are certain things which usually are not allowed, but sometimes because of certain good effects they are allowed. Give some examples. Usually it is not allowed to till a man; but the Government may kill a public criminal in order to protect the general public and prevent such crimes from spreading. The same is true of killing in selfdefence or in a just war. Usually it is not allowed to cut off a limb or member; but in case of disease it is allowed, in order to save life or restore health. Usually it is not allowed to cause pain to others; but this is allowed when necessary to punish a child so as to cure its faults. Usually it is not allowed to risk one’s life. But it is not only allowed but is an act of great virtue to risk one’s life to save others. Usually it is not allowed to take other people’s things ; but taking a loaf to save the life of a starving man would be allowed. 138. Why are such exceptions allowed? Reason tells us that they are allowed because of certain important good results which ought to be secured.

Ernest Hull S. J., Man’s Great Concern