The Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine

The Law of God

What is the Law of God?: The Law of God is the will of God, binding the liberty of man in conscience.
Where is the Law of God summed up?: The Law of God is summed up principally in the Ten Commandments of God and in the Six Precepts of the Church.
Which are the Ten Commandments?: The Ten Commandments are:

1) I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before me.

2) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

3) Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day.

4) Honor thy father and thy mother.

5) Thou shalt not kill.

6) Thou shalt not commit adultery.

7) Thou shalt not steal.

8) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

9) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.

10) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.
Which are the Six Precepts?: The Six Precepts are:

1) To hear Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation.

2) To fast and abstain on the days appointed.

3) To confess at least once a year.

4) To receive the Holy Eucharist during the Easter time.

5) To contribute to the support of our pastors.

6) Not to marry non-Catholics, nor those who are related to us within the fourth degree of kindred, nor privately without pastor and two witnesses, nor to solemnize marriage at forbidden time.
How did Christ sum up the Law of God?: Christ summed up the Law of God in three points:

1) "If any one will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." - Matthew 16:24

2) "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind."

3) "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." - Matthew 22:37
Has the Catholic Church the power to make laws that hind man in conscience?: The Catholic Church has the power to make laws that bind man in conscience, for Jesus Christ gave her that power when He said: "As the Father hath sent Me, so I also send you" - John 20:21. "If he will not hear the Church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican." - Matthew 18:17
In what matters can the Catholic Church bind her subjects in conscience?: The Catholic Church can bind her subjects in conscience in all matters that pertain directly or indirectly to the salvation of their immortal souls.