Overview

In the last forty years Roman Catholic moral theology has been experiencing revolutionary tension and change. In this unique and thoroughly documented study a distinguished Jesuit moral theologian examines the events, personalities, and conflicts which have contributed, from New Testament times to the present, to the Roman Catholic moral tradition and its contemporary crisis, and interprets the fundamental changes taking place in the subject today.

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9780198267300

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'The publication of this book puts moral theologians, and students of moral theology, in John Mahoney's debt. He has given us a magisterial review of the themes, trends and doctrines which have given shape to moral teaching in the Church down the centuries. It is judicious, wise, and warmed occasionally with an affectionate humour.' Maurice Reidy, Holy Cross College, Dublin, The Heythrop Journal 'the most enlightening book on theology that I have read in over 20 years. ... Exceptional clarity and sophistication characterize each chapter, and yet, because the prose is so lucid and unaffected, there is no sense of pedantry or, worse, slippery evasion. ... An excellent book is, by definition, both impossible to summarize and ever richer on rereading. This is such a book.' America 'this work by Professor Mahoney is particularly welcome. ... The work is attractively written and well researched ... the work will be very valuable for anyone teaching or studying moral theology.' Studies in Christian Ethics 'This work is a comprehensive and penetrating survey of the factors that have shaped Roman Catholic moral theology ... an invaluable insight into the way the Roman Catholic Church has functioned and does function as a source of moral thought and instruction.' Religious Studies 'This is an important book, scholarly authoritative. It is also very engagingly written. There is no other book like it in this area.' Methodist Church Overseas Division Annotated Booklist 'It is impossible in a few words to do justice to the richness of the historical material or to the breadth and competence of the author. His judgement on the contemporary state of moral theology is both balanced and courageous.' Terence Kennedy, Studia Moralia 'It will change the way people think, react, and behave ... Mahoney has given something without parallel, for which we can only thank him' Month 'lucid, witty, and learned' Independent 'It is learned, admirably lucid, judicious, and deeply interesting.' Expository Times 'No short review, however expert, could do justice to the thought-provoking profundity of this book. Professor Mahoney can be fairly regarded as the supreme spokesman of Catholic moral theology in this country. And what a spokesman! On page after page he states the orthodox position - with a difference.' Contemporary Review 'his new book deserves to be read as an essay in the same genre of theological self-demystification - the most extended, and also the most elegant and entertaining example of its kind. He has written his indictment with lucidity and irony' Journal of Theological Studies 'One of the most important works in moral theology ... It has no peer in English as a theological history of the discipline ... with its felicitous style and clarity of argument, this book should be equally captivating to the general reader.' American

One of the most important works in moral theology to appear since the Second Vatican Council. It has no peer in English as a theological history of the discipline....Mahoney's superb history documents how the study of moral theology got into its rigid state prior to the council and makes constructive suggestions for its renewal that are rooted in its broader history....The timing of this volume's appearance is almost as important as its content....A rich bibliography and full index should let grateful students and scholars use it as a sourcebook; with its felicitous style and clarity of argument, this book should be equally captivating to the general reader. --America<br> Mahoney puts the theology back into moral theology. --Church<br> Essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Roman Catholic moral theology or contemporary issues within that discipline. --Journal of Religion<br> A remarkable and instructive book....He illuminates the past in such fashion that it sheds considerable light on the often obscure lines of renewal and reformulation that the discipline of moral theology is struggling to pursue....A work of great insight and wisdom, the fruit of considerable scholarship and reflection. --Theological Studies<br> Can be read by profit by anyone who possesses a little knowledge of the subject. Virtually all that he considers is of contemporary interest for non-Catholics. --Choice<br>

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