conscience

Derived from Latin and literally means “shared knowledge” such as an accomplice to a crime. Modern usage of this term developed out of the practice of private confessionthis word has several theological uses. 1) It refers to the act of confessing one’s sins, and particularly the confession of sins to a priest in the... more in Catholicism in the late Middle Ages. The concept of conscience was important to LutherMartin Luther (A.D. 1483–1546) German theologian, pastor, professor at the University of Wittenberg, ex-monk, and founding figure of Protestantism. ... more who taught that a free conscience comes from being certain of God’s approval through faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires... more alone, a bound Conscience is one that feels a need to perform works in a vain effort to please God, and a terrified conscience is one who displeases God through sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original si... more.