Bernard H ring expressed the present discipline of the Church when he wrote that the confessor may not refuse absolution to a penitent who sincerely follows an opinion held by prudent and learned moralists. I propose that Catholics can use the system of probabilism as they form their consciences about doubtful matters. According to probabilism a confessor should allow us to follow the probable opinions of prudent and learned moralists. We can peaceably use that same information in following our conscience when making decisions. And we have the right to know that those scholarly opinions exist.
Probabilism safeguards the individual's free exercise of conscience from rigoristic confessors.
Richard McCormick wrote that probabilism supports the claims of human freedom against systems and ideologies which would unduly restrict that freedom. Moreover, it has helped moral theology by preventing the closing of difficult moral questions prematurely. As we shall see, reputable theologians defend positions on moral issues contrary to the official teaching of the Roman magisterium. If Catholics have the right to follow such options, they must have the right to know that the options exist. It is wrong to attempt to conceal such knowledge from Catholics.