Handbook of Moral Theology

by Dominic M. Prummer

First published in 1921, Fr. Prümmer’s Handbook of Moral Theology was immediately regarded as an international classic. The author’s clarity of vision, precision of expression, and humble fidelity to the traditional Catholic moral framework during a period of social upheaval and increasing doctrinal deviation made his manual the standard reference text for generations of clergy, seminarians, and laity. For those seeking answers to moral questions, the Catholic advice was often “Look it up in Prümmer!” At long last, this centenary edition restores the superb English translation of 1956 in a fresh new typesetting, making Fr. Prümmer’s original text much easier to navigate and more pleasant to read. The many citation errors that plagued earlier editions have been painstakingly corrected, and scores of additional citations have been added from Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae , Denzinger’s Enchiridion , and the Roman Catechism ― three of the author’s favorite sources. The topical index has likewise been expanded and now includes technical moral terms of more recent use (such as “double effect”) to allow for more rapid contemporary reference. After a brilliant introduction to the science of moral theology, part 1 explores the end of man and all aspects of human conduct, and part 2 examines the sacraments and sacramentals and their core importance to the Catholic moral life. These packed pages contain the traditional Catholic moral teachings on:
In our own time of widespread confusion and decay, Fr. Prümmer’s Handbook is the definitive and complete Catholic source book of the Church’s moral doctrine as it was received and taught before the laxity and innovations of the last century. Far more than a work of mere historical interest, this surprisingly relevant guide to Christian moral perfection is a treasure that will endure as long as there are souls seeking eternal life.

Genres: Spirituality, Reference

512 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1995

Reviews

[Sam U · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Very narrow… very rigid…very legalistic!” may be how some people nowadays find the content contained within this book. I found it, on the other hand, a systematic, Thomistic and detailed presentation of sacramental theology and Catholic morality. Some of the articles in relation to the old Code of Canon Law (1917) were of course outdated but it gives you at the same time insight into the life of the Church last century and what kind of issues the Church had to deal with and what measures she used to deal with them in the society back then. A very long but rewarding read.

I wish there were more footnotes to some of the moral theologians cited by the author of this book.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SUMMARY OF MORAL THEOLOGY FOR SEMINARIANS AND CONFESSORS

First published in 1921, Dominic Prümmer’s Handbook of Moral Theology was "THE" reference book for generations of seminarians and confessors. He wrote in the Preface, "I, myself, have received many and earnest requests to produce a summary of my own Manual of Moral Theology... I am now publishing this small book.... which... presents in a nutshell the teaching contained in the larger work...

"[N]o cleric can acquire a sufficient knowledge of Moral Theology from this summary alone... My sole intention has been to produce am acceptable [manual] which might prove a faithful companion for the young cleric and help him to prepare easily for the necessary examinations, and which at the same time might provide a refresher course for the older priest---especially the confessor---in the doctrine studied in the schools in his earlier days and so essential for his everyday requirements."

He states, "Everyone is obliged to use serious care to possess on all occasions a true conscience. The reason is obvious: conscience is the proximate norm of morality which must act as the guide for the whole of man's moral life." (Pg. 60) He advises, "a) Although pagans and Jews must not be forced to embrace the Catholic faith, yet they should be compelled to refrain from placing obstacles in the way of Catholic worship and from offering insults; b) their rites and worship may be tolerated by Christian rulers for grave reasons." (Pg. 88)

He adds, "CIVIL co-operation between Catholics and non-Catholics is not now forbidden by the law of the Church, but very often it has to be discouraged owing to the dangers involved. It is frequently the source of doubts against faith, indifferentism, and sometimes complete defection from the faith." (Pg. 90)

He states, "Direct abortion of a living fetus is grievously sinful and punished by positive laws... Anyone who procures a direct abortion... is directly killing an innocent person, and this is never permitted... Not only the body but the soul is being forcibly deprived of life, since the fetus is frequently unbaptized." (Pg. 130)

He asserts, "Bets are lawful, provided a) they are made for a morally good purpose, and b) are laid on a suitable object---namely, something lawful and uncertain for both parties... Therefore the purpose of gaming must be lawful recreation. If its primary purpose is other than this, either the game is unlawful or the stakes must be regarded as a salary in return for work done... NOTE: Since games played for stakes are most dangerous because of the serious disorders which often ensue, the confessor should prudently censure them." (Pg. 163-164)

He says, "Pollution which is directly willed is always grievously sinful. Why? Because it is the direct willing of sexual pleasure. The way in which it is procured has little bearing on its moral character, provided that there is no desire for sodomy, bestiality, co-operation, or any other means which is of its nature forbidden... Pollution which occurs during sleep is not sinful unless it is willed in some way." (Pg. 23)

About books placed on the Index of Prohibited Books, he observes, "Four actions are prohibited under pain of excommunication: a) the effective publication of the work by the author, printer, editor, but this probably excludes all other persons who co-operate in the publication; b) the reading of such works... it does not include a person who listens to such books being read or one who does not understand what he reads or who reads such a small portion of the book that there is no danger of perversion. It is further required that they KNOWINGLY read such books... c) the defending of such books---that is to say, defending a book not because of its fine style or other good qualities, but precisely because it defends apostasy, etc.; retaining such books... in one's own name without real necessity. Consequently those employed in libraries and bookbinders are not subject to this excommunication." (Pg. 357)

He states, "The civil authority has no power to establish annulling or prohibitory impediments for Christian marriages; likewise she possesses no power to pronounce complete divorce or to allow Christians to remarry after obtaining a divorce... A marriage between two unbaptized persons, or between one baptized and one unbaptized person, is not a sacrament." (Pg. 401)

The Catholic Church has obviously changed quite a bit in the nearly 100 years since this book was written; but it remains a useful tool and guide to pre-Vatican II doctrine.

[Abel]

it is a good book.

[Caleb Burdine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive albeit rather dry.