y 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.

Q. 1233. Which are the vows most frequently made