What Are the Precepts of the Catholic Church?

 

What Are Precepts?

In a Catholic context, the word “precept” is nearly synonymous with the word “commandment.” In general, the word “commandment” makes us think of the ten moral laws which God revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai (see Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5). However, since Our Lord has entrusted His authority to the Catholic Church, the Church can also decree moral laws which bind us.

Today the laws of the Church are generally grouped as a body in the Code of Canon Law. The faithful remain largely ignorant of most of these laws, as they are rarely affected by them. However, the Precepts of the Church are set apart because they bind all Catholics and directly impact how we live our Catholic lives.

These long-standing laws are part of our Catholic tradition. Magisterial legislation, including councils and papal teaching, have addressed these matters over the centuries. In the past, catechisms always listed these Six Precepts. Catholic children preparing for First Holy Communion were required to memorize them, alongside the Ten Commandments.

More: https://x.com/dlongenecker1/status/1999506938204164115?s=46&t=IydJ-X8H6c0NM044nYKQ0w