Christian Moral Principles, Volume 1: The Way of the Lord Jesus

Volume One of Germain Grisez's three-volume work is constructed primarily as a textbook in fundamental moral theology for students in Catholic seminaries. However, those already ordained to the priesthood, teachers of religion, parents concerned about the catechetical formation of their children, and others will find this book helpful as well. Some questions naturally arise regarding this monumental undertaking. Why, for example, should so extensive a project be carried out in one field - that of moral theology? And why should seminary students devote so much of their time to this one subject? The answer is that morality is the characteristic of human actions are not what is most fundamental in reality as a whole or in Christian life specifically - (far more basic is the reality itself and the work of God in creation and redemption) - nevertheless, God had chosen to create persons who can be like himself by acting intelligently and freely. And this is what morality is all about. This volume is only the first stage of a much larger project. In the present volume, the author considers only the fundamental part of moral theology: Christian moral principles. In subsequent volumes, he takes up the specific responsibilities of Christians and clarifies their responsibilities in the light of these principles. The Second Volume, Living a Christian Life, deals with the responsibilities common all Christians. And the Third Volume, Difficult Moral Questions seeks to provide guidance, if not always answers, to some 200 intriguing problems that Christians grapple with each day.