Moral Theology: An Introduction

by Ryan Connors

Unlike other fields of theological study, the subject of moral theology is precisely the action of God drawing man to himself by means of graced human acts. In other theological disciplines, theologians study God in Himself, Christ, the Church or the sacraments. For their part, moral theologians seek to discover the full truth about man and his properly human acts. Moral theologians study human activity not from a sociological or physiological standpoint but precisely as a theological discipline. They examine human action from the perspective of how these acts perfect a person and by grace move him toward God.

This Catholic Handbook is an introduction to moral theology. It attempts to provide well-disposed readers with an accessible overview of what moral theology is, why it is important, and what the Magisterium has said about it. Because the subject of moral theology is the action of God drawing man to himself, Catholic moralists who situate themselves within the full tradition of the Church recognize that grace, the virtues, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are the principal resources available for this project. Moral theologians of the Catholic tradition also situate their moral investigations within the framework of creation and eschatology. One cannot undertake a moral inquiry without reference to the nature of the human person and the end for which he was created.

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Matt Pitts]

Filling a gap in my knowledge. Moral theology as a category was new to me (as distinct from ethics). Mostly fascinating, at times dry, and of course distinctly Roman Catholic.

[Matthew Purt]

If you know nothing about Fundamental Moral Theology, or need a refresher, this is perfect.