Introducing Moral Theology: True Happiness and the Virtues

by Mattison III, William C.

• ISBN13: 9781587432231
• ISBN10: 1587432234
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-10-01
• Publisher: Baker Book House Co

Summary

Whether in the cafeteria, classroom, or dorm lounge, questions abound on college campuses. Not only do students grapple with existential issues but they also struggle with ethical ones such as "Why be moral?" In Introducing Moral Theology, William Mattison addresses this question as well as grapples with the impact that religious belief has on day-to-day living. Structured in two parts, this unique text on Catholic moral theology covers cardinal virtues (temperance, prudence, fortitude, and justice) as well as theological virtues (faith, hope, and love). It is equipped with study questions, terms and their definitions, and illustrative case studies. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, this overview will also appeal to non-Catholics interested in virtue ethics.

Author Biography

William C. Mattison III (PhD, University of Notre Dame) is assistant professor of theology at The Catholic University of America. He has edited and contributed to New Wine, New Wineskins: A Next Generation Reflects on Key Issues in Catholic Moral Theology.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. 9
Introduction	p. 11
Morality, Happiness, and the "Good Life": How Do I Live My Life, and Why Do I Live That Way?	p. 19
Intentions, Good Acts, and Human Freedom	p. 38
Why Virtue? The Moral Life as More Than Actions	p. 57
The Virtue of Temperance: Living a Passionate Moral Life	p. 75
The Virtue of Prudence: Knowing the Truth and Living It	p. 95
Alcohol and American College Life: Test Case One	p. 113
The Virtue of Justice and Justice in Waging War	p. 134
Using the Atom Bomb in World War II: Test Case Two	p. 160
The Virtue of Fortitude and the Unity of the Virtues	p. 180
A Transition: Actions, Practices, and Big-Picture Beliefs about the Way Things Are	p. 195
The Virtue of Faith: Answering Big-Picture Questions	p. 213
Sin: Corruption of Human Happiness	p. 231
The Virtue of Hope: Eternity in this Life and the Next	p. 251
Jesus Christ: Incarnation and Life in Christ	p. 273
The Virtue of Charity: The Form of the Christian Life	p. 290
Grace: The Gift of the Holy Spirit for the Virtuous Life	p. 311
Chastity and Nonmarital Sex: Text Case Three	p. 333
Euthanasia: Test Case Four	p. 364
Epilogue: Praying for Virtues	p. 393
Bibliography	p. 411
Index	p. 419
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