The Identity of Christian Morality

ISBN-13: 9780754660736 / Angielski / Twarda / 2009 / 196 str.

Ann Marie Mealey

Opis

This book argues that moral theology has yet to embrace the recommendations of the Second Vatican Council concerning the ways in which it is to be renewed. One of the reasons for this is the lack of consensus between theologians regarding the nature, content and uniqueness of Christian morality. After highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the so-called autonomy and faith ethic schools of thought, Mealey argues that there is little dividing them and that, in some instances, both schools are simply defending one aspect of a hermeneutical dialectic. In an attempt to move away from the divisions between proponents of the faith-ethic and autonomy positions, Mealey enlists the help of the hermeneutical theory of Paul Ricoeur. She argues that many of the disagreements arising from the Christian proprium debate can be overcome if scholars look to the possibilities opened up by Ricoeur's hermeneutics of interpretation. Mealey also argues that the uniqueness of Christian morality is more adequately explained in terms of a specific identity (self) that is constantly subject to change and revision in light of many, often conflicting, moral sources. She advocates a move away from attempts to explain the uniqueness of Christian morality in terms of one specific, unchanging context, motivation, norm, divine command or value. By embracing the possibilities opened up by Ricoeurian hermeneutics, Mealey explains how concepts such as revelation, tradition, orthodoxy and moral conscience may be understood in a hermeneutical way without being deemed sectarian or unorthodox.

Recenzje

’... deserves to be widely read.’ Theological Book Review ’... a very readable contribution to the current debate on moral (Catholic) theology. It will indeed stimulate ongoing reflection on contemporary issues.’ Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae

Spis treści

Introduction; Chapter 1 The Emergence of the Christian Proprium Debate; Chapter 2 Ricoeurian Hermeneutics and the Responsible Christian Self; Chapter 3 Christian Ethics and the Gospels: A Ricoeurian Approach; Chapter 4 Christian Identity: A Quest for Goodness and Holiness; Chapter 5 Toward a Hermeneutic of Christian Identity: The Role of Tradition; Chapter 6 The Limits of a Ricoeurian Approach to Christian Ethics; Chapter 7 Conclusion;

O autorze

Ann Marie Mealey is Lecturer in Moral Theology at Leeds Trinity and All Saints, UK.