Introducing Moral Theology: True Happiness and the Virtues

by William C. Mattison III

Whether in the cafeteria, classroom, or dorm lounge, questions abound on college campuses. Not only do students grapple with existential issues but they also struggle with ethical ones such as "Why be moral?" In Introducing Moral Theology, William Mattison addresses this question as well as grapples with the impact that religious belief has on day-to-day living. Structured in two parts, this unique text on Catholic moral theology covers cardinal virtues (temperance, prudence, fortitude, and justice) as well as theological virtues (faith, hope, and love). It is equipped with study questions, terms and their definitions, and illustrative case studies. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, this overview will also appeal to non-Catholics interested in virtue ethics.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy, Textbooks, Christianity

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2008

Reviews

[Parmida R. A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for introduction to moral theology. I reduced a point just because sometimes it went off on a tangent. :)

[Dave Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Introduction to Moral Theology", by William Mattison, is a thoughtful, well written introduction to the topic. The author, an assistant professor at one of the Catholic universities, obviously knows his subject well. He is able to explain his topic well-he does not "dumb it down", but also does not make it too "academic" for the average reader.

Mattison approaches the topic from a "morality of happiness" approach, instead of a "morality of obligation" approach-we should pursue these virtues, not out some sense of obligation, but because, through them, we will become truly happy. He provides chapters on each of the seven virtues of temperance, prudence, justice, fortitude, faith, hope, and charity. He intersperses chapters on each of four "test cases", which examine how the virtues are best applied in real life. Finally, the author closes the book with an examination of how the virtues are embodied in the Our Father.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic of theology.

[Logan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus stuff, but cool? Lots and lots of C.S Lewis. I think I will over analyze every relationship I ever had through the lens of Aristotle. Also… fortitude.. I know way too much about a virtue that I don’t have. Let’s hope Fr. Nick is in a forgiving mood when he reads my final.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful, clearly written introduction to Thomist virtue ethics, complete with some interesting case studies. Mattison focuses a lot on natural law and thus emphasises the cardinal virtues as acquired over infused (which he mentions briefly). I would have preferred more of a focus on the infused nature. Lastly, I'm not sure a "just war" makes much sense and differed with him on that point. All in all, a clearly written and helpful introduction.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent text on morality. Mattison gives a great overview and explains in detail both cardinal (temperance, prudence, fortitude, justice) and theological (faith, hope, charity) virtues. Mattison delves into real life scenarios from the simplistic to the deeply complex. I will keep this book in my personal library knowing that I will refer to it often and reread it again as I continue to deepen my Catholic faith. This book gets my highest recommendation.

[Bobby Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think if I was a young college student, I would’ve hated this book; however, as an adult with children, I find this book to be super helpful and practical. It has really helped me identify pain points in my own Christian walk, and then my practical day-to-day living with my wife and childrenwould highly recommend.

[Jan Petrozzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book clearly explaining the route to happiness via the Catholic Church. Contains 3 case studies for consideration: consumption of alcohol with college students, premarital sex and just war. The book sparks thoughtful conversation.

[Esperance A Mulonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the first half of the book ( explaining of cardinal virtues) but I did not care as much for the second half. I would recommend the book as it is very accessible even for those who have no prior knowledge of theology.

[Lisa Cottingham]

Aquinas.

[Joshua]

I'm taking Bill's "Morality and Emotion" class at CUA this fall so I'm hoping to get acquainted with his style and approach to moral theology.

He's a Thomist and discusses the moral life in virtue language, so it will be a much more productive approach than most of what we read at Yale.

Looking forward to the case study on alcohol and the virtuous life, which isn't often discussed in theology.

[rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read as it went in depth into a lot of moral issues that I have been wondering about (such as euthanasia, drinking, and sexuality). It took a more modern view in drinking, which surprised me, but it makes a ton of sense. The only thing is a lot of the chapters dragged on and I found so many typos (missing words, extra words, wrong words, etc.)!

[Matthew A LaPine · Rating 4 out of 5]

four stars for clarity and the choice of topic, not really an academic book; this is a helpful lay summary, good introduction