Objective: Does morality matter? Yes! The choices we make factor into the fabric of our lives right here and now, and they factor into eternity. The topic of morality is essential in the life of every human person. From the moment we wake in the morning until we fall asleep at night, we’re making choices. 

In this course, students will learn exactly why morality matters. Students will learn about absolute truths, moral codes and how to develop their own moral code. We will explore why beliefs are crucial and how our choices shape our personal character. 

St. Gregory of Nyssa sums it up perfectly - “The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.” That really says it all, and with this, course Deacon Frederick Bartels will help guide you toward making your own moral life choices.

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Course curriculum

  • 01

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 1 - Everyone Lives by Some Type of Moral Code

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 1 -Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 1 - Everyone Lives by Some Type of Moral Code - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 1 - Everyone Lives by Some Type of Moral Code - VIDEO

    • Reflection Questions for Group Discussion

    • Lesson 1 - Everyone Lives by Some Type of Moral Code - QUIZ

  • 02

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 2 - How People Develop Their Moral Code

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 2 - Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 2 - How People Develop Their Moral Code - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 2 - How People Develop Their Moral Code - VIDEO

    • Questions for Live Lesson Reflection and Discussion

    • Lesson 2 - How People Develop Their Moral Code - QUIZ

  • 03

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 3 - Why Our Beliefs are Crucial - Part 1

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 3 - Part 1 -Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 3 - Why Our Beliefs are Crucial - Part 1 - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 3 - Why Our Beliefs are Crucial - Part 1 - VIDEO

    • Live Lesson Opening Prayer

    • Live Lesson Discussion and Reflection Questions

    • Lesson 3 - Why Our Beliefs are Crucial - Part 1 - QUIZ

  • 04

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 3 - Why Our Beliefs are Crucial - Part 2

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 3 - Part 2 -Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Student’s Prayer from St. Thomas Aquinas

    • Lesson 3 - Why Our Beliefs are Crucial - Part 2 - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 3 - Why Our Beliefs are Crucial - Part 2 - VIDEO

    • Questions for Discussion and Reflection

    • Lesson 3 - Why Our Beliefs are Crucial - Part 2 - QUIZ

  • 05

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 4 - How Our Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Character - Part 1

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 4 - Part 1 -Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Opening Prayer

    • Lesson 4 - How Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Personal Character - Part 1 - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 4 - How Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Personal Character - Part 1 - VIDEO

    • Discussion and Reflection Questions

    • Lesson 4 - How Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Personal Character - Part 1 - QUIZ

  • 06

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 4 - How Our Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Character - Part 2

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 4 - Part 2 -Introduction

    • Opening Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 4 - How Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Personal Character - Part 2 - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 4 - How Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Personal Character - Part 2 - VIDEO

    • Lesson 4 - How Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Personal Character - Part 2 - QUIZ

  • 07

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 4 - How Our Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Character - Part 3

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 4 - Part 3 -Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Opening Prayer

    • Lesson 4 - How Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Personal Character - Part 3 - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 4 - How Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Personal Character - Part 3 - VIDEO

    • Questions for Reflection and Discussion

    • Lesson 4 - How Moral Choices Shape and Define Our Personal Character - Part 3 - QUIZ

  • 08

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 1 - Relativism, Its Definition, and Absolute Truths

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - Part 1 - Introduction

    • Opening Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 1 - Relativism, Its Definition, and Absolute Truths - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 1 - Relativism, Its Definition, and Absolute Truths - VIDEO

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 1 - Relativism, Its Definition, and Absolute Truths - QUIZ

  • 09

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 2 - What It Means To Say Absolute Truths Transcend the Human Person

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - Part 2 - Introduction

    • Opening Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 2 - What It Means To Say Absolute Truths Transcend the Human Person - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 2 - What It Means To Say Absolute Truths Transcend the Human Person - VIDEO

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 2 - What It Means To Say Absolute Truths Transcend the Human Person - QUIZ

  • 10

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 3 - Moral Norms and Absolutes

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - Part 3 - Introduction

    • Live Class Opening Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 3 - Moral Norms and Absolutes - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 3 - Moral Norms and Absolutes - VIDEO

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 3 - Moral Norms and Absolutes - QUIZ

  • 11

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 4 - How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - Part 4 - Introduction

    • Live Lesson Opening Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 4 - How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 4 - How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder - VIDEO

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 4 -How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder - QUIZ

  • 12

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 5 - How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder by Denying Personhood to Very Young Children

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - Part 5 - Introduction

    • Live Lesson Opening Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 5 - How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder by Denying Personhood to Very Young Children - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 5 - How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder by Denying Personhood to Very Young Children - VIDEO

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 5 - How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder by Denying Personhood to Very Young Children - QUIZ

  • 13

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 6 -How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder by an Emotional Appeal to Good Intentions

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 5 - Part 6 - Introduction

    • Live Class Opening Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 6 - How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder by an Emotional Appeal to Good Intentions - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 6 - How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder by an Emotional Appeal to Good Intentions - VIDEO

    • Lesson 5 - The Problem of Relativism - Part 6 - How Relativism Undermines the Moral Norm Prohibiting Murder by an Emotional Appeal to Good Intentions - QUIZ

  • 14

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 6 - A Brief Survey of Some Moral Issues and Their Consequences - Part 1

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 6 - Part 1 - Introduction

    • Live Class Opening Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 6 - A Brief Survey of Some Moral Issues and Their Consequences - Part 1 - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 6 - A Brief Survey of Some Moral Issues and Their Consequences - Part 1 - VIDEO

    • Lesson 6 - A Brief Survey of Some Moral Issues and Their Consequences - Part 1 - QUIZ

  • 15

    Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 6 - A Brief Survey of Some Moral Issues and Their Consequences - Part 2

    • Why Does Morality Matter? - Lesson 6 - Part 2 - Introduction

    • Live Class Opening Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Lesson 6 - A Brief Survey of Some Moral Issues and Their Consequences - Part 2 - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Lesson 6 - A Brief Survey of Some Moral Issues and Their Consequences - Part 2 - VIDEO

    • Lesson 6 - A Brief Survey of Some Moral Issues and Their Consequences - Part 2 - QUIZ

Reviews: See what others are saying

Stephen Muiruri Kimani

5 star rating

“Thank you very much for this beautiful work. I have learned a lot. I appreciate your humble, simple- yet profound presentation skills, Deacon Frederick. Thank you for being one of the "Fulton Sheen" of our time. And may Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom w...”

Read More

“Thank you very much for this beautiful work. I have learned a lot. I appreciate your humble, simple- yet profound presentation skills, Deacon Frederick. Thank you for being one of the "Fulton Sheen" of our time. And may Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom walk with you and all your team for making this happen. ”

Read Less

Christopher Onowu

5 star rating

“A soul is ever searching for truth. This course teaches the moral foundations of life and living with human with a sound mind of your originating from the principles and words of God!!!”

“A soul is ever searching for truth. This course teaches the moral foundations of life and living with human with a sound mind of your originating from the principles and words of God!!!”

Read Less

Joy Marie M Roco

5 star rating

“This course is packed with knowledge that we often take for granted and yet we can not fully grasp thus preventing many of us from passing to the next generation.”

“This course is packed with knowledge that we often take for granted and yet we can not fully grasp thus preventing many of us from passing to the next generation.”

Read Less

David Ralph

5 star rating

“Gives clear knowledge of Catholic social teaching.”

“Gives clear knowledge of Catholic social teaching.”

Read Less

Deb Campano

5 star rating

“Presentation is very relatable. Morality does matter very significantly in everyday situations.”

“Presentation is very relatable. Morality does matter very significantly in everyday situations.”

Read Less

anthony patrizio

5 star rating

“Great job of the deacon speaking slowly and giving great examples.”

“Great job of the deacon speaking slowly and giving great examples.”

Read Less

Glenn Rankin

5 star rating

“Excellent! Appropriate and applicable title”

“Excellent! Appropriate and applicable title”

Read Less

Deb Campano

5 star rating

“Presentation is very relatable. Morality does matter very significantly in everyday situations.”

“Presentation is very relatable. Morality does matter very significantly in everyday situations.”

Read Less

Douglas Croley

4 star rating

“Text was very good, but some of the questions are ridiculously easy. ”

“Text was very good, but some of the questions are ridiculously easy. ”

Read Less

Srnina Sjbp

5 star rating

“Relativism is very real in our world today. The course helped me a lot in understanding the Church's role in enlightening the faithful how important the absolute truth that transcends our human nature. We are made in God's image and likeness and c...”

Read More

“Relativism is very real in our world today. The course helped me a lot in understanding the Church's role in enlightening the faithful how important the absolute truth that transcends our human nature. We are made in God's image and likeness and contrary to that truth will us less than human thus, leading us away from God. ”

Read Less

Laura Flores

5 star rating

“All the questions were relevant to morality and how culture influences our moral decisions. ”

“All the questions were relevant to morality and how culture influences our moral decisions. ”

Read Less

Sieg H

5 star rating

“Very Good”

“Very Good”

Read Less

Srnina Sjbp

5 star rating

“Relativism is very real in our world today. The course helped me a lot in understanding the Church's role in enlightening the faithful how important the absolute truth that transcends our human nature. We are made in God's image and likeness and c...”

Read More

“Relativism is very real in our world today. The course helped me a lot in understanding the Church's role in enlightening the faithful how important the absolute truth that transcends our human nature. We are made in God's image and likeness and contrary to that truth will us less than human thus, leading us away from God. ”

Read Less

DERICK MASCARENHAS

5 star rating

“A well designed course”

“A well designed course”

Read Less

Joy Marie M Roco

5 star rating

“This course is packed with knowledge that we often take for granted and yet we can not fully grasp thus preventing many of us from passing to the next generation.”

“This course is packed with knowledge that we often take for granted and yet we can not fully grasp thus preventing many of us from passing to the next generation.”

Read Less

Srnina Sjbp

5 star rating

“Relativism is very real in our world today. The course helped me a lot in understanding the Church's role in enlightening the faithful how important the absolute truth that transcends our human nature. We are made in God's image and likeness and c...”

Read More

“Relativism is very real in our world today. The course helped me a lot in understanding the Church's role in enlightening the faithful how important the absolute truth that transcends our human nature. We are made in God's image and likeness and contrary to that truth will us less than human thus, leading us away from God. ”

Read Less

Instructor(s)

Instructor Bio:

Deacon Frederick Bartels is a member of the Catholic clergy who serves the Church in the diocese of Pueblo, CO. He received an MA in Theology and Educational Ministry from Catholic Distance University, where he is currently employed as an adjunct professor of theology. He is founder and editor of Joy In Truth (joyintruth.com), an online magazine dedicated to the New Evangelization. As a Catholic educator, public speaker and evangelist, Deacon Bartels strives to infuse culture with the saving principles of the gospel. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Shelly, and the youngest two of their six children. Professor Bartels is Chairman of the Theology Department.

Deacon Frederick Bartels

Professor of Theology, Department Chair