Moral theology is the study of human conduct – how Christians ought to live (Smith, n.d. and Saker, 2004). In order for us to make moral decision it is important that we understand the concepts of fundamental option and integral subjectivity. This paper will define these key theological concepts and provide examples to further emphasise the importance of these principles.

The concept of fundamental option refers to the basic human choice we make as to whether we freely commit ourselves to live in union with others and God or whether we choose to live in union with one self alone (Sparks, 1996; Torraco, n.d. and Saker, 2004). Fundamental option determines the general orientation of one’s life (Torraco, n.d. and Saker, 2004). Fundamental option may also be referred to as a ‘life stance’ because it expresses who we truly are before God and our fellow humans (Saker, 2003). It is a choice of who we are at the very core of our being (Saker, 2003).

Theologians believe that all are born with a fundamental option towards others and God. This means that the fundamental direction of our lives is devoted to loving and serving others – to be in a relationship with o

The concept of integral intersubjectivity was another development in moral theology. The term integral intersubjectivity refers to our consciousness and attitudes which treat one self, fellow humans and God as subjects rather than objects (Saker, 2004). This means that those who possess integral intersubjectivity will treat others as subjects, showing them respect, worth and dignity (Saker, 2003 and Saker, 2004). All are created in the image and likeness of God and for this reason we should treat everyone equally (Saker, 2004). We need to love both ourselves and others, treating all as subjects because we were created in the image of God (Saker, 2004). We do not use others for our own pleasure. It is for this very reason that the male who hires a prostitute is guilty of a mortal sin, because he is treating her body as an object, something to be used for his personal gratification (Saker, 2004). On the same note the female prostitute is doing wrong because she is treating her body as an object in order to make her money. We can only start living lives like Christ when we have integral intersubjectivity, because that is when we live the Gospel if love (Saker, 2004). It is for this same reason that Christ called us to help the poor. We need to treat them as people because they were created in His image and likeness and therefore each of t

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