A good reputation is the esteem that one person has formed and entertains about another. It may regard his moral qualities, such as honesty, chastity, or truthfulness; it may regard physical and mental qualities or attainments. In either case, reputation is the object of an acquired right, and consequently to take it away or lower it becomes an act of injustice. NOT ONLY THE LIVING BUT ALSO THE DEAD have a right to good esteem. Another persons good reputation belongs to him, and we may not do it injury by revealing, without proportionately grave reason, what we know is true about him. The seriousness of the sin committed will mainly derive from the gravity of the fault or limitation disclosed. But it will also depend on the dignity of the person detracted and the harm done to him and others by revealing something that is hidden and whose disclosure lowers (if it does not ruin) his standing in the public eye. - Fr. John Hardon
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 03:43:41 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015