A Call to Fidelity: On the Moral Theology of Charles E. Curran(Moral Traditions series)

This title seeks to examine and critically evaluate the contributions that Charles E. Curran has made to the field of Catholic moral theology over the past 40 years. It also seeks to assess the development of specific topics in contemporary moral theology to which Curran has made his unique mark, particularly in fundamental ethics, sexual and medical ethics, social and political ethics, and topics related to dialogue with other traditions and approaches to Catholic ethics. Reviewing the many years of his influential writings, thought, and scholarship, 14 scholars examine his contributions and the current state of the topics under discussion - which are as far ranging as academic freedom, birth control, gay and lesbian relationships, and feminism. Each contributor also provides a critical evaluation of Curran's work and outlines how these areas will hold or undergo transformation as the church looks toward its relationship with society and culture in the coming decades.

Table of Contents:
ForewordJames J. Walter Introduction: Charles C. Curran: Catholic Theologian, Priest, ProphetDaniel C. MaguirePART I FUNDAMENTAL MORAL THEOLOGY 1. The Moral Person: Moral Anthropology and the VirtuesTimothy E. O'Connell 2. The Moral Agent: Actions and Normative Decision MakingJames F. Keenan, SJ 3. Ethics, Ecclesiology, and the Grace of Self-DoubtMargaret A. Farley 4. Moral Theology and Academic FreedomJames A. Coriden PART II SEXUAL AND MEDICAL ETHICS 5. Divorce and RemarriageKevin T. Kelly 6. Sexual EthicsLisa Sowle Cahill 7. Perspectives on Medical Ethics: Biotechnology and Genetic MedicineJames J. Walter PART III SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ETHICS 8. Hierarchical Catholic Social Teaching: Analysis and InterpretationKenneth R. Himes, OFM 9. Catholic Social Ethics in the United StatesThomas A. Shannon 10. A Catholic Troeltsch? Curran on the Social Ministry of the ChurchJ. Bryan Hehir PART IV DIALOGUE 11. Charles Curran: Ecumenical Moral Theologian Par ExcellenceJames F. Gustafson 12. Curran's Fundamental Moral Theology in Comparison with European Catholic ApproachesRaphael Gallagher, CSSR 13. Beyond Revision: A Younger Moralist Looks at Charles E. CurranBryan N. Massingale Bibliography of Charles E. Curran 1961-2002: Forty-One Years of Catholic Moral Theology Contributors Index

Review :
This is a collection of high quality essays on issues within moral theology that need continuing systematic reflection and study. It is an appropriate work to honour the achievements of priest and scholar Charles E. Curran who has boldly pursued the question of the demands of the Christian moral life in a changing world. Highly recommended for graduate courses in moral theology, this text is a tightly written set of essays that gives one much to sort through. A Call to Fidelity is a cartography of promise. It belongs in theologian's hands and should be held in libraries.