The Development of Moral Theology

Five Strands

By: Charles E. Curran

Narrated by: Mark D. Mickelson

Charles Curran, in his newest book, The Development of Moral Theology: Five Strands, brings a unique historical and critical analysis to the five strands that differentiate Catholic moral theology from other approaches to Christian ethics - sin and the manuals of moral theology, the teaching of Thomas Aquinas and later Thomists, natural law, the role of authoritative church teaching in moral areas, and Vatican II. Significant changes have occurred over the course of these historical developments. In addition, pluralism and diversity exist even today, as illustrated, for example, in the theory of natural law proposed by Cardinal Ratzinger.

In light of these realities, Curran proposes his understanding of how the strands should influence moral theology today. A concluding chapter highlights the need for a truly theological approach and calls for a significant change in the way that the papal teaching office functions today and its understanding of natural law.

This book is published by Georgetown University Press.

©2013 Georgetown University Press (P)2015 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"This is a mature and insightful work by one of the most respected scholars within the discipline." (Kenneth R. Himes, OFM, Boston College)

"This book is a significant contribution to our understanding of the development of moral theology." (Thomas Shannon, Worcester Polytechnic Institute)

"This thematic history of moral theology is vintage Curran: scholarly, accessible, and enlightening. Few living moral theologians can match Curran's masterful control of the literature and communicate so clearly. A perfect text for graduate courses and scholars seeking a broad understanding of what the field of moral theology looks like today and how we got here."(Julie Hanlon Rubio, St. Louis University)