Q. 1224.  Who have the right to make us take an oath?  A. All persons to whom the law of our country has given such authority have the right to make us take an oath.  They are chiefly judges, magistrates and public officials, whose duty it is to enforce the laws.  In religious matters bishops and others to whom authority is given have also the right to make us take an oath.

Q. 1225. {348} When may we take an oath?  A. We may take an oath when it is ordered by lawful authority or required for God’s honor or for our own or our neighbor’s good.

Q. 1226.  When may an oath be required for God’s honor or for our own or our neighbor’s good?  A. An oath may be required for God’s honor or for our own or our neighbor’s good when we are called upon to defend our religion against false charges; or to protect our own or our neighbor’s property or good name; or when we are required to give testimony that will enable the lawful authorities to discover the guilt or innocence of a person accused.

Q. 1227.  Is it ever allowed to promise under oath, in secret societies or elsewhere, to obey another in whatever good or evil he commands?  A. It is never allowed to promise under oath, in secret societies or elsewhere, to obey another in whatever good or evil he commands, for by such an oath we would declare ourselves ready and willing to commit sin, if ordered to do so, while God commands us to avoid even the danger of sinning.  Hence the Church forbids us to join any society in which such oaths are taken by its members.

Q. 1228.  What societies in general are we forbidden to join?  A. In general we are forbidden to join (1) All societies condemned by the Church; (2) all societies of which the object is unlawful and the means used sinful; (3) societies in which the rights and freedom of our conscience are violated by rash or dangerous oaths; (4) societies in which any false religious ceremony or form of worship is used.

Q. 1229.  Are trades unions and benefit societies forbidden?  A. Trades unions and benefit societies are not in themselves forbidden because they have lawful ends, which they can secure by lawful means.  The Church encourages every society that lawfully aids its members spiritually or temporally, and censures or disowns every society that uses sinful or unlawful means to secure even a good end; for the Church can never permit anyone to do evil that good may come of it.

Q. 1230.  Is it lawful to vow or promise strict obedience to a religious superior?  A. It is lawful to vow or promise strict obedience to a religious superior, because such superior can exact obedience only in things that have the sanction of God or of His Church.

Q. 1231. {349} What is necessary to make an oath lawful?  A. To make an oath lawful it is necessary that what we swear to be true, and that there be a sufficient cause for taking an oath.

Q. 1232. {350} What is a vow?  A. A vow is a deliberate promise made to God to do something that is pleasing to Him.