Sometimes, men must decide between some actions and they have problems for choosing between one or another. This is related with the perplexed conscience and the relaxed conscience.

Perplexed conscience appears when someone, when has to choose between two options, think both of them could be sinful. Or, in other words: it is the type of conscience which sees sin in doing a thing and also in not doing it. For example; a nurse from a hospital thinks he is committing sin if he attends Mass because he abandons his patient, but also if he stays with his patient and doesn’t attend Mass.

To avoid perplexed conscience we must study and learn, choosing then what we think is the lesser evil. If both actions seem equally evils, we do not commit sin choosing one of them.

Relaxed conscience is the one influenced by superficiality or weak reasons, which denies sin or thinks it is unreal. It considers every evil action could be done because there is not sin. Certain Popes spoke about that, and the loss of meaning of sins. It has its roots in the loss of religious education, of faith and in a guilty blindness against reality and the gravity of sin.

 Which are the causes of a relaxed conscience? We could name sensuality in all its shapes, ignorance about the commandments, a superficial and frivolous environment, a disregard in our piety, etc.

To abandon a relaxed conscience we must have a strong religious education and be aware of the fear of God.

Arturo Ramo

Independent Forum Of Opinion

Spain