On Conscience and Its Cases in General (De Conscientia et Eius Casibus in Genere)

Abstract

Translated by Wade Johnston in 2002. Although the translator attributes this work to Quenstedt, it actually seems to come from Balduin's Tractate on Cases of Conscience.

This essay explores Andreas Quenstedt’s systematic theology on conscience, examining its nature, operations, and distinctions. Quenstedt affirms the reality of conscience through Scripture, experience, and reason, describing it as an operative faculty of the intellect that judges human actions according to divine and natural law. He distinguishes conscience from synteresis, the innate moral impulse toward good, noting that conscience can err while synteresis cannot. The essay outlines conscience’s functions: obligating, restraining, testifying, accusing, excusing, consoling, and condemning. Quenstedt also discusses the etymology of “conscience” across languages and its theological significance, citing classical and patristic sources. He emphasizes conscience’s role in moral decision-making and spiritual well-being, portraying it as a divine witness within the soul. The work reflects Lutheran scholasticism’s rigorous approach to moral theology and its concern for pastoral care in matters of conscience. — Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)