Reason Informed by Faith: Foundations of Catholic Morality

by Richard M. Gula

Excellent textbook introduction to the basic issues of fundamental moral theology that considers all of today's moral issues. †

Genres: Theology, Philosophy

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Fr. Daniel Carr]

I enjoyed reading this book as a moral theology primer. It helped me to familiarize myself with the modern terminology and ideas that current moral theologians are using. Overall I thought that Mr. Gula did a good job connecting older and more traditional ideas with a renewed approach, particularly with Lonergan's understanding of knowledge and the specification of mortal sin vs. venial sin.

However, Gula began to lose me when he started to discard much of the Catholic Tradition in favor of a proportionalist approach. His perspective resulted in throwing away entirely the principle of double effect and any sense of inherently evil moral actions. This is quite contrary both to the tradition and to my inherent understanding of human nature. I respect the movement away from a strictly Thomist interpretation of moral theology, but I don't believe that this was the right way to do it.

Still I learned a great deal from Mr. Gula, even if many of his perspectives I disagreed with. I caution the reader to think for themselves regarding his perspectives but to enjoy learning about the specific topics at hand, the terminology, and the arguments themselves.

[Claudio Laferla]

Gula is a very good author. I highly recommend this book.

[Larry Ramsey]

A truly, thought-provoking book

[Olivia]

Christian Ethics

[grace copps]

read for my intro to christian ethics class

[Becky]

Way over my head--read for a class.