IN BRIEF
2504 "You shall not bear
false witness against your neighbor" (Ex
20:16). Christ's disciples have "put on the new man, created
after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness"
(Eph 4:24).
2505 Truth or truthfulness is
the virtue which consists in showing oneself true in deeds and truthful in
words, and guarding against duplicity, dissimulation, and hypocrisy.
2506 The Christian is not to
"be ashamed of testifying to our Lord" (2
Tim 1:8) in deed and word. Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to
the truth of the faith.
2507 Respect for the
reputation and honor of persons forbids all detraction and calumny in word or
attitude.
2508 Lying consists in saying
what is false with the intention of deceiving the neighbor who has the right to
the truth.
2509 An offense committed
against the truth requires reparation.
2510 The golden rule helps
one discern, in concrete situations, whether or not it would be appropriate to
reveal the truth to someone who asks for it.
2511 "The sacramental
seal is inviolable" ( [link] CIC, can. 983 # 1).
Professional secrets must be kept. Confidences prejudicial to another are not
to be divulged.
2512 Society has a right to
information based on truth, freedom, and justice. One should practice
moderation and discipline in the use of the social communications media.
2513 The fine arts, but above
all sacred art, "of their nature are directed toward expressing in some
way the infinite beauty of God in works made by human hands. Their dedication
to the increase of God's praise and of his glory is more complete, the more
exclusively they are devoted to turning men's minds devoutly toward God"
(SC 122).
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