The Rosary Dad

“And why not say, as we are slanderously accused and as some claim that we say, ‘Let us do evil that good may come’? Their condemnation is just!” Romans 3:8

One of the most debated moral questions is whether achieving something good can excuse using bad or immoral means. In Christian teaching, the answer is clear: “The end does not justify the means.” No matter how noble a goal might be, if the way we achieve it is morally wrong, then the action itself remains wrong.

This principle is deeply rooted in Sacred Scripture, Christian moral theology, and the teachings of the Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

“A good intention does not make behavior that is intrinsically disordered good or just. The end does not justify the means.” (CCC 1753)

But this is not just a Catholic principle—it is a Christian one. All Christians, not only Catholics, are bound by this moral law because it is explicitly stated in Sacred Scripture. St. Paul warns against the false idea that we can justify wrongdoing by appealing to a good outcome:

“And why not say, as we are slanderously accused and as some claim that we say, ‘Let us do evil that good may come’? Their condemnation is just!” (Romans 3:8)

This teaching applies to all who follow Christ. No Christian—whether Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant—can justify committing evil, even for a good outcome. Since this principle is clearly stated in Scripture, it is a universal Christian moral obligation, not just a Catholic doctrine.

Even if an action leads to a positive result, it cannot be justified if the means used are immoral.

One of the clearest examples of this principle is the case of a woman who becomes pregnant as a result of rape.

• The child conceived is a gift from God, an innocent human being with dignity and worth.

• The child’s life is a great good, and no one should deny that life itself is valuable.

• However, this good outcome does not justify the horrific act of rape.

The rape remains an evil act, regardless of the child’s existence. This is why Christians must never justify sin, even if something good comes from it. The gift of life does not erase the evil of the crime.

This is a profound truth that applies to all moral decisions:

• A dishonest businessman cannot justify stealing just because he donates to charity.

• A doctor cannot justify euthanasia just because it “relieves suffering.”

• A government cannot justify oppression just because it “maintains order.”

Good results never erase the sinfulness of an action. Evil remains evil, no matter the outcome.

This is why Christianity as a whole rejects consequentialism and utilitarianism—philosophies that judge morality only by the outcome. As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold moral truth, regardless of circumstances.

The Christian teaching that “the end does not justify the means” is more than just an ethical rule—it’s a call to moral integrity in every aspect of life. Christianity consistently teaches that we cannot do evil, even for a good cause.

In a world that often values results over righteousness, this principle reminds us that truth, justice, and moral integrity must never be compromised. This is not just a Catholic doctrine, but a universal Christian obligation, affirmed by Scripture and binding on all who follow Christ.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)