Introduction to Moral Theology: The Moral Life as a Call to Discipleship (DT1000Y)

Content

Taking its direction from Scripture, Church Tradition and principles of Catholic Social Teaching, this unit explores the essential components for understanding and appreciating Moral Theology as a challenge to a more authentic discipleship. Drawing from aspects of Theology, Philosophy, Church History, Pastoral Ministry, Spirituality and Church Law, the unit explores what has, and continues to, contribute to a Catholic understanding of moral living. Particular emphasis will be given to how the Catholic/Christian tradition understands the relationship between morality and discipleship. The unit seeks to examine how our understanding of discipleship offers a framework for making responsible moral choices as a Christian in the context of everyday life.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

lectures powerpoint presentations weekly readings with class discussion and written reflection class and group discussion / reflection

Indicative Bibliography

• Chan, Yiu Sing Lúcás, The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes: Biblical Studies and Ethics for Real Life. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield / Sheed and Ward, 2012.
• Clague, Julie, Gerard Mannion and Bernard Hoose eds, Moral Theology For the Twenty-First Century: Essays In Celebration of Kevin Kelly, UK: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd, 2011.
• Curran, Charles, The Development of Moral Theology: Five Strands, Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2013.
• Darragh, Neil, ed. A Thinker’s Guide To Sin: Talking About Sin Today, New Zealand: Accent Publications, 2010.
• Gascoigne, Robert. Freedom and Purpose: An Introduction to Christian Ethics. Sydney, NSW: E. J. Dwyer Press, 2005.
• Harrington, Daniel and James Keenan. Jesus and Virtue Ethics: Building Bridges Between New Testament Studies and Moral Theology. Lanham, MD: Sheed & Ward, 2002.
• Keenan, James, A History of Catholic Moral Theology in the Twentieth Century: From Confessing Sins to Liberating Consciences, New York: Continuum, 2010.
• Lamoureux, Patricia, and Paul Wadell, The Christian Moral Life: Faithful Discipleship For a Global Society, Maryknoll NY: Orbis Books, 2010.
• McDonagh, Enda, and Vincent MacNamara (eds), An Irish Reader in Moral Theology: The Legacy of the Last Fifty Years, Ireland: Columba Press, 2009.
• MacNamara, Vincent, The Call To Be Human: Making Sense of Morality, Ireland: Veritas Publications, 2010.
• Nichols, Alan. Street Called Choice: Ethical Choices for Ordinary People. Melbourne: Acorn Press, 2005.
• Wadell, Paul, Happiness and the Christian Moral Life: An Introduction To Christian Ethics, Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Inc., 2012.
• Woods, Walter. Walking With Faith: New Perspectives on the Sources and Shaping of Catholic Moral Life. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2002.

Assessment