180 Right and Wrong: Conscience and Catholic Parts Work

Moral theologian Fr. Thomas Berg and philosopher and therapist Dr. Andrea Messineo take on the topic of personal conscience and parts work through a Catholic lens.  We explore the relationships among conscience, parts, the innermost self, the intellect, the will, impulses, and desires.  We address concupiscence and parts, and offer specific examples.  Join us for a fascinating exploration of conscience and parts.  

Check out these other episodes:

https://youtu.be/bw-zUp2h_TA

https://youtu.be/f5MNCaCJLyc

https://youtu.be/Isxmlx8pQAs

Dr. Peter’s advanced group for Catholic formators: Relating Wholeheartedly with God in Prayer, Mondays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Eastern starting on March 9, 2026.  Find out more here:  https://members.soulsandhearts.com/registration

Dr. Gerry’s advanced group for Catholic formators: Surviving, Healing, Thriving, and Flourishing - A Path To Greater Integration  Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Eastern, starting on March 11, 2026

Fr. Thomas Berg’s books: 

Hurting in the Church: A Way Forward for Wounded Catholics: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hurting-in-the-church-fr-thomas-berg/1124597873

Choosing Forgiveness: Unleash the Power of God's Grace: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/choosing-forgiveness-fr-thomas-berg/1140395384?ean=9781681926537

Dr. Andrea Messineo’s book, Alone in Church: https://www.amazon.com/ALONE-CHURCH-Andrea-Messineo/dp/1732054290

Check out Dr. Messineo’s website at andreamessineolpcc.com

Key moments:

16:15 What are the relationships among one's innermost self, one's parts, and one's conscience?

21:25  St. Thomas Aquinas’ emphasis on prudence

23:30  How parts with emotions have a role in a well-formed conscience and the innermost self does not have a “localized omniscience.”  

31:30 What are the relationships among parts and the faculties of the intellect and the will?

37:00 Parts are closely connected with impulses and desires, driving agendas

40:00  What about addictions, obsessions, and compulsions?

45:40  Can a person possess a virtue, but parts of that person not have access to that virtue?

56:20  Does the innermost self need any formation from others, or is it complete, as Richard Schwartz maintains?

1:08:00 Causal chains that lead to morally problematic behaviors

1:17:20  What is concupiscence and does it always need to be lodged in a part?