A Call to Fidelity

A Call to Fidelity seeks to thoughtfully examine and critically evaluate the contributions that Charles E. Curran has made to the field of Catholic moral theology over the past forty years. It also seeks to assess the development of specific topics in contemporary moral theology to which Curran has made his unique mark, particularly in fundamental ethics, sexual and medical ethics, social and political ethics, and topics related to dialogue with other traditions and approaches to Catholic ethics.

Reviewing the many years of his influential writings, thought, and scholarship, fourteen distinguished scholars examine his contributions and the current state of the topics under discussion-which are as far ranging as academic freedom, birth control, gay and lesbian relationships, and feminism. Each contributor also provides a critical evaluation of Curran's work and outlines how these areas will hold or undergo transformation as the church looks toward its relationship with society and culture in the coming decades.

Table of Contents

Foreword
James J. Walter

Introduction: Charles C. Curran: Catholic Theologian, Priest, Prophet
Daniel C. Maguire

PART I FUNDAMENTAL MORAL THEOLOGY

1. The Moral Person: Moral Anthropology and the Virtues
Timothy E. O'Connell

2. The Moral Agent: Actions and Normative Decision Making
James F. Keenan, SJ

3. Ethics, Ecclesiology, and the Grace of Self-Doubt
Margaret A. Farley

4. Moral Theology and Academic Freedom
James A. Coriden

PART II SEXUAL AND MEDICAL ETHICS

5. Divorce and Remarriage
Kevin T. Kelly

6. Sexual Ethics
Lisa Sowle Cahill

7. Perspectives on Medical Ethics: Biotechnology and Genetic Medicine
James J. Walter

PART III SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ETHICS

8. Hierarchical Catholic Social Teaching: Analysis and Interpretation
Kenneth R. Himes, OFM

9. Catholic Social Ethics in the United States
Thomas A. Shannon

10. A Catholic Troeltsch? Curran on the Social Ministry of the Church
J. Bryan Hehir

PART IV DIALOGUE

11. Charles Curran: Ecumenical Moral Theologian Par Excellence
James F. Gustafson

12. Curran's Fundamental Moral Theology in Comparison with European Catholic Approaches
Raphael Gallagher, CSSR

13. Beyond Revision: A Younger Moralist Looks at Charles E. Curran
Bryan N. Massingale

Bibliography of Charles E. Curran 1961-2002: Forty-One Years of Catholic Moral Theology

Contributors

Index

Reviews

"This is a collection of high quality essays on issues within moral theology that need continuing systematic reflection and study. It is an appropriate work to honour the achievements of priest and scholar Charles E. Curran who has boldly pursued the question of the demands of the Christian moral life in a changing world."—Irish Theological Quarterly

"Highly recommended for graduate courses in moral theology, this text is a tightly written set of essays that gives one much to sort through. A Call to Fidelity is a cartography of promise. It belongs in theologian's hands and should be held in libraries."—HORIZONS

Contributors

Daniel C. MaguireTimothy E. O'ConnellJames F. Keenan, SJMargaret A. FarleyJames A. CoridenKevin T. KellyLisa Sowle CahillJames J. WalterKenneth R. Himes, OFMThomas A. ShannonJ. Bryan HehirJames M. GustafsonRaphael Gallagher, CSSRBryan N. Massingale

Supplemental Materials

Awards

About the Author