Creative Conscience in Amoris laetitia?

Abstract

The article is an attempt to answer the question of whether the apostolic exhortation Amoris laetitia of Pope Francis is a manifestation of a creative conscience. In connection with the above, the concept and essence of the so-called “creative conscience”, then – in accordance with the teaching spirit of the Bishop of Rome – the status of Christian marriage in the contemporary world was outlined and, finally, the current teaching was confronted with the traditional vision of conscience. Due to the lack of an original commentary on the comments and issues raised by the readers of the document, it becomes legitimate to say that the document allows such interpretative possibilities that point to the creative role of conscience. This is the role shown in the so-called “new moral theology” after the Second Vatican Council. Therefore, it is difficult to recognize the present interpretation of Amoris laetitia as an expression of “hermeneutics of continuity” and also as teaching stemming from the Thomist tradition.