Pope John Paul II's encyclical Vertatis Splendor is an historic document: the first extensive analysis of the foundations of morality by a pope. It stands alongside the new catechism as a major statement about Christian morality, the role of reason in the moral life, and the vision of life for the disciple of Jesus.

The second Vatican council called for a revitalization of moral theology within the Catholic Church. Forty years later, "Renewing Christian Ethics" assesses the Church's progress, incorporating the work of psychologists, sociologists, theologians, scriptural scholars, and cultural anthropologists to fully analyze the difficult convergence of authority and individual autonomy. Michael Allsopp's text will be welcomed by those who teach courses in Christian ethics as well as by anyone concerned with moral decision making and the ethical demands of everyday life.