The Moral Virtues and Theological Ethics

by Romanus Cessario O.P.

Since it was first published in 1991, The Moral Virtues and Theological Ethics has received praise from a wide range of commentators, both Catholic and Protestant. This second edition includes discussion of works that have appeared since the early 1990s, especially the first papal document to address fundamental questions of moral theology, Veritatis Splendor . Those who already have adopted the book for classroom use will welcome this new edition, while those who have just been introduced to it will find an authoritative account of the status that virtue-centered theological ethics enjoys today. Following a new preface, the text of the six chapters from the original edition remains unchanged. However, Romanus Cessario has substantially updated his notes to account for recent literature on the subject, and a new chapter that accommodates his original study to current developments in moral theology. This second edition will inspire a new generation of students and teachers.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Christianity, Spirituality, Religion

235 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 1991

Reviews

[Val Finnell, MD, MPH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent introduction to moral theology based upon the work of St. Thomas Aquinas. It is somewhat easier to understand than the author’s “Introduction to Moral Theology.”

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid exposition of Catholic moral theology in the scholastic, virtue ethics vein. Thorough and informative, but perhaps a bit too wedded to medieval formulas, especially anthropological ones. Be prepared for discussions of "irascible and concupiscible appetites" and the like rather than modern neuroscience and behavioral theories. Strong points are the discussion of habitus and the critique of Stoic-influenced willpower approaches to ethics.

[Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cessario gives an accessible, biblical, and thomistic treatment of the moral virtues. I think this could be an excellent text in an undergraduate course on Moral Theology/Christian Ethics.