Sex and Virtue: An Introduction to Sexual Ethics

by John S. Grabowski

“Grabowski offers a compelling rationale for the virtue of chastity that takes into account the sensibilities and challenges of the contemporary world” (Raymond Dennehy, Professor Emeritus, University of San Francisco).   “A welcome addition to an often contentious literature,” Sex and Virtue provides a theological foundation for consideration of the moral dimensions of human sexuality from a Roman Catholic perspective (Catholic Books Review). In the hope of contributing to the ongoing renewal of moral theology sparked by the Second Vatican Council, John S. Grabowski discusses the systemic application of biblical and virtue-based categories on the topic of sexuality. A number of issues are examined the historical setting regarding attitudes and practices concerning sexuality; key biblical, historical, and contemporary resources for articulating a virtue-based approach to sexual ethics; current issues with which such an approach must wrestle; and some description of how to foster growth in moral virtue, particularly chastity. Ultimately, Sex and Virtue offers a compelling vision of human sexuality in the light of Christian faith that can provide a viable alternative to dominant cultural ideologies that trivialize sex and concrete practices that can enable growth in moral freedom.   “Sex and Virtue is a splendid result of Grabowski’s response to the call of Vatican II to find scriptural support for Catholic moral teaching. The ecumenical potential of this book is tremendous; Christians can only marvel at the resources in scripture for establishing sexual morality—a morality that puts sexuality in service of love, life, and salvation.” —Janet E. Smith, former professor of moral theology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary of Detroit

Genres: Theology, Religion, Sexuality

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2003

Reviews

[Haley Baumeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I’m not ready to say I *endorse* everything in here, reading this would certainly be worthwhile for a Christian of any tradition. It covers a lot of ground.

(Why the chapters have like 75 footnotes on average is beyond me!!)

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

good. felt too brief to really flesh out the slightly different approach from which he approaches JPII personalism. i think for that reason the opening chapters, about the tension in church history between nominalism and essentialism and the need for sexual ethics which appreciates more than voluntarism or legalism, were really the most illuminating. the following chapters, where he expounds, in very short form, the basic tenets of personalism and some applications, were unobjectionable but really no surprise to anyone who has read TOB or L&R, and didn't go into enough depth to really bring anything different.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advances a positive, compelling vision of human sexuality as a context for understanding Christian moral norms. Highlights are chapter 2 on the covenantal understanding of sexuality, chapter 4 on the virtue of chastity, and chapter 7 as a summary and synthesis of the book, culminating in the human vocation to communion in making a "sincere gift of self."

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up during a visit to UChicago's Seminary Bookstore. Immediately, I was hooked. It's a great introduction to Catholic sexual ethics and perfect for anyone who is a beginner or a life-long learner in the field.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated—PG-13 (my personal opinion based on content)