Introduction to Moral Theology

The encyclical Veritatis splendor established certain authoritative directions for doing Christian ethics from a Catholic perspective. This first magisterial pronouncement on the foundations of moral theology sets out parameters for the discipline that will continue to shape how the Church teaches about both the good of the human person and the norms that guide human action.

The present volume, the first in the new Catholic Moral Thought series, responds to the need for a new introduction to the basic and central elements of Catholic moral theology written in the light of Veritatis splendor. The five chapters of the book consider the principal methodological issues and substantive questions that must shape any adequate moral theology in the period after the first encyclical to address fundamental questions of the Church's moral teaching. The issues discussed include: moral theology and the good of the human person created in God's image; natural law; principles of human action; determination of the moral good through objects, ends, and circumstances; and the virtues, gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the Beatitudes. The scope is on the one hand comprehensive and on the other sufficiently differentiated so that the reader can make the necessary connections between the foundational principles and the themes treated in subsequent volumes of the series. Important cross-references to this volume will be made explicit by other authors.

The author assembles a marvelous text, rich in erudition, clear in pedagogy, and complete in doctrine. The composition of this text is mainly systematic, but with frequent references to those issues in historical theology that serve to amplify the context and significance of Catholic moral teaching. Inasmuch as the tradition throws light on what emerges thematically in the encyclical, this book introduces the basic elements of Christian moral theology by appeal to what has gone before, especially the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Romanus Cessario, O.P., is professor of systematic theology at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts. In addition to numerous articles and reviews, Cessario has authored, coauthored, or edited several books, including The Moral Virtues and Theological Ethics and Christian Faith and the Theological Life.

The Catholic Moral Though Series:

The Catholic Moral Thought series is designed to provide students with a comprehensive presentation of both the principles of Christian conduct and the specific teachings and precepts for fulfilling the requirements of the Christian life. Soundly based in the teaching of the Church, the volumes set out in depth, in a manner and style suitable for scholars, students, and general readers, the basic principles of Catholic moral thought and the application of those principles within areas of ethical concern that are of paramount importance today. In its initial phase, the series includes an introductory volume and volumes on sexual ethics, bioethics, and social ethics.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:

" Introduction to Moral Theology is an auspicious, solid beginning for an important new series. More than other disciplines, moral theology needs to be thought through again and again - in the teeth of changing habits, symbols, and mores. Solid, not trendy, guidelines are needed."--Michael Novak, American Enterprise Institute

"A learned and traditional Catholic account of Aquinas's vision of the moral life...."-- Choice

"Cessario does a splendid job of introducing the series.... Essential reading for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of theology."-- First Things

"[A] splendid book on moral theology.... This book depicts in a grand style and well-argued fashion what shape reflection on moral theology must take when one embraces