Catholic Moral Tradition

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Summary: Rediscovery of the riches in Catholic Moral Tradition
Review: The author, rector of Pius X Seminary in Dalton, Pennsylvania, and teacher of Moral Theology at the University of Scranton, intends to give an introduction into Catholic Moral Theology as it presents itself today in relation to the richness of Tradition. He lays fundament not in impersonal laws but in the loving relation of the redeemed person in Christ towards the Holy Trinity and the Body of Christ, the Church. David Bohr pleads for a rediscovery of symbolic consciousness in prayer and worship, and also in theological thinking and research. This also seems to be the best way for an approach to Scripture and Tradition, under the guidance of the Magisterium of the Church. Such moral theology is integrating all the right insights of theological thinkers, whatever theological directions they represent, for: "No one of us totally comprehends the truth, but we can all aid one another in coming to understand it more fully." (Preface, p. 17). The book consists of three main parts: After an analysis of "Beginnings and Background" (pp. 41-78: with "Biblical Foundations" and "Historical Perspectives"), there follows an investigation on "Fundamental Elements" of Moral Theology (pp. 79-234), and it concludes with "Special Questions" (pp. 235-360). Such fundamental elements are a view on "Christian Anthropology: The person 'In Christ'", "Conversion" and "Discipleship: Faith-Response in Love and Hope", "The Law of Christ", "Conscience and Its Formation", and at last, "Virtue, Sin, and the Human Act: Living As a Responsible Person". Special questions are dealt with exemplary and concern "Sexual Ethics", "Bioethics" and "Catholic Social Teaching". In a interesting approach this useful work proves itself as a help for those who begin their studies as "for the expert seeking an overview of the Church's moral teaching" (Foreword, 14).