Contemplating the Future of Moral Theology

Professor Brian V. Johnstone, CSsR, has been quietly and unobtrusively contributing to the intellectual life of Catholicism, especially in the field of moral theology, for nearly four decades. Having published numerous theological articles on many topics, including biomedical ethics, peace and war, and fundamental moral theology, and directed many doctoral dissertations, it is no exaggeration to say that he has dedicated his entire life to teaching and writing theology. In honor of Johnstone's work, this felicitation volume covers a wide range of themes in the Christian moral life with original articles written by internationally recognized theologians. In the spirit of Johnstone's thought and work, each article challenges the reader to reflect upon the present while contemplating the future of moral theology. ""Brian Johnstone is a longstanding colleague of many in our field, and a respected, careful, and judicious interpreter of moral theology.This volume conveys his insights from the Vatican II era into a new global context, showing their continuing power and relevance in the twenty-first century. Global North and South, Rome and local churches, clerical and lay moralists, moralists and ordinary Catholics--as Charles Curran says in his foreword, dialogue is key. This book demonstrates that truth, and Johnstone's embodiment of it."" --Lisa Sowle Cahill, Monan Professor of Theology, Boston College ""Unlike manyFestschriften, this volume reflects a unity of theme and approach, and it wouldserve as a good introduction to recent work in the field. As such, it is afitting tribute to Professor Johnstone, whose long career has beendistinguished by scholarly excellence, wide-ranging interests, and a commitmentto ideals ofdialogue and collegiality. This book is highly recommended toeveryone who is interested in the current state of moral theology and itspossible future trajectories."" --Jean Porter, University of Notre Dame Robert C. Koerpel teaches theology at the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He has written articles and reviews for the Heythrop Journal: A Quarterly Review of Philosophy and Theology, The Journal of Ecumenical Studies, Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture, and New Blackfriars. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Maurice Blondel and the Transformation of Tradition in Modern Catholicism. Vimal Tirimanna, CSsR, is Professor of Moral Theology at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Kandy, Sri Lanka and the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy, Rome. He has written articles for international theological periodicals, such asNew BlackFriars,Concilium,Studia Moralia,Segno,Review for Religious,Studies in Interreligious Dialogue,Homo Dei,Asian Christian Review,Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection,Asia Focus,Asian HorizonsandAsia Journal of Theology.