The Seventh Commandment

Film Focus: In this video, Fr. Dan O’Reilly covers the Seventh Commandment and its relation to stealing. He discusses this in a nuanced way and defines stealing as “taking against the reasonable will of the owner.” 

Text Focus: Pages 351–353

Discussion Questions:

1. Is there a reason that “taking” with a proper reason is not breaking the Seventh Commandment? Why or why not?
2. Why is stealing wrong? How does stealing hurt the human person?
3. Have you ever considered the Seventh Commandment to be about sharing? If yes, what do you do to practice this commandment? If not, what can you do to begin practicing this commandment in this manner?
4. What are some little ways teens may steal without realizing? For example, cheating off someone else’s homework is a case of stealing without realizing. Give three to four other examples.