Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
SYNDERESIS or SYNTERESIS
The habit of knowing the basic principles of the moral law; the knowledge of the universal first principles of the practical order. Sometimes applied to conscience, which is, however, rather the mind's concrete application of known principles, judging on the moral goodness or badness of a specific human action. (Etym. Greek synteresis, spark of conscience.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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