An Introduction to Catholic Ethics

by Lucien Longtin

This book introduces students to the fundamentals of Catholic moral theology. By presenting testimony from the lives of great Christians and many of the key concepts that inform the Catholic approach to morality, this book provides a framework for making authentic Christian choices. NCEA Our titles help all catholic educators and administrators have the professional resources to meet the highest standards of excellence in Catholic education. We provide resources for school, parish, diocesan offices, professional organizations and higher education institutions. Some of the areas we publish in Administration and Planning
Classroom Materials
Legal Issues
Staff Development
Governance Boards
Religious Education
Research and History
Recruitment
Curriculum
Development
Seminary Education
Multicultural Issues
Technology

Genres: Religion, Philosophy

241 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a horrible book, but very lackluster. The author has a very poor understanding of the difference between traditional natural law versus progressive natural law theory, the political left, social issues and alcoholism. He is good on the issues of Aristotle, his arguments against relativism and utilitarianism, and accepting Dorothy Day as a saint.

Starting with his argument against rights theory, what he is actually talking about is progressive natural law theory which is based on philosophy and science and was the basis of the constitution, law and jurisprudence that a lot of our founding fathers believed in such as Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine. Rights theory is natural law applied to God given rights inherent in all men and the protection of these rights is the primary function of government which should be heavily limited and decentralized. Long live Jeffersonian democracy. The author argues with a traditional natural law theory that basis it on scripture which leads to a different understanding of it than a philosophical and scientific understanding.

On the issue of alcoholism, the author is ignorant that it is a physiological disease where the user becomes physically and psychologically addicted. Alcoholism is not a moral failing, it is a medical condition. The author makes the ridiculous statement that AA is the only effective treatment. The truth is AA only helps 5-10% of participants, far more efficient treatments are medications (such as anabuse) and substitute drug therapy along with AA is the solution. Along with affordable rehabs.

As for his ideas of the political left he is completely misinformed. For example he fails to discuss how Dorothy day's political beliefs in anarchism influenced her life and deeds. Also he completely fails to understand what communism is. He says that in communism a whole neighborhood has to share one car cause all property is in common. This is ridiculous, in authoritarian communism only corporate and industrial property and natural resources are common property controlled by the centralized State, whereas in anarchism industrial, State, and corporate property is made public domain and put under the control of the workers and decentralized government. In both systems each individual has possession rights over his possessions like cars, houses, all goods. And in individualist anarchism small scale private property rights are insured and based on use and occupancy.

[Hayden Welty · Rating 3 out of 5]

The diction is odd but understandable.