Moral Theology

Moral Theology - A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities

1. Definition.Moral Theology is defined: (a) etymologically, as the study of God, considered as the beginning and the end of mans moral life, i.e., of those acts that proceed from reason and will; (b) scientifically, as that part of Sacred Theology which treats of God as our Last End, and of the means by which we may tend to Him. 2. Hence, Moral Theology differs from various related sciences or habits. Thus: (a) it differs from Ethics, which is the science of human conduct as directed by reason to mans natural end, for Moral Theology uses faith as well as reason, and is concerned with mans supernatural end; (b) it differs from faith, since it includes not only principles revealed by God, but also conclusions derived from them; (c) it differs from synderesis, or the habit that perceives the natural principles of morality that are self-evident to the mind, for Moral Theology deals also with supernatural truths and with truths that are not self-evident; (d) it differs from conscience, which draws conclusions for individual cases, since Moral Theology is concerned with general conclusions. 3. Relation of Moral Theology to Dogmatic Theology.(a) They do not differ as two distinct sciences, for the main object, in the light of which all else is studied, is the same in bothviz., God. (b) They do differ as two quasi-integral parts or branches of the same science, Dogma being concerned more with the speculative, and Moral with the practical aspects of theology. Dogmatic Theology is the more important of the two, as treating more directly on divine things and as being the basis of Moral Theology. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 35354
Author: Callan, Charles J. (Charles Jerome)
Release Date: Feb 22, 2011
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Contributor (Author): McHugh, John A. (John Ambrose), 1880-1950
Editor: Farrell, Edward P