Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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CONFLICT

In moral theology the contradictory impulses within an individual. When these impulses are to be acted on, a person must apply the discernment of spirits to decide which impulse should be followed and which one rejected. The root of the conflict may be between concupiscence and conscience, or between nature and grace, or more simply between one's own will and the will of God. (Etym. Latin con-, with + fligere, to strike: conflictus, striking together.)