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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BAD EXAMPLE
The external performance of some morally evil action that scandalizes other people and encourages them to do the same. Bad example refers especially to leaders in the Church or human society who are expected to practice above ordinary virtue and whose conduct is under constant public scrutiny. Their misconduct, therefore, inevitably gives a bad example to people who look to them for guidance and inspiration.
