Moral Theology for the 21st Century: Essays in Celebration of Kevin T. Kelly

Julie Clague is a lecturer in Catholic theology in the University of Glasgow. She has written numerous articles and has been co-editor of the journalFeminist Theologysince 1993. She has also been co-editor of the journalPolitical Theologysince 2005. She serves on the steering committee of the American Academy of Religion: Ecclesiological Investigations Programme unit, and is an elected member of the Niebuhr Society. Dr. Clague is also a founder member of the International Association for Catholic Social Thought, and a member of the Theological Commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales agency, Caritas-Social Action. Additionally, she works as a theologian with the Catholic international aid agencies CAFOD and SCIAF and serves on the theological panel of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues at Edinburgh University. Dr. Clague is also the Chairperson of the Ethics Committee of the Assisted Conception Service of Greater Glasgow NHS Trust.
Gerard Mannion is Director of the Centre for Catholic Thought and Culture and Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego, USA.

A collection of essays on key themes, issues and concepts in contemporary moral theology and Christian ethics. It is a tribute to Kevin Kelly, who has been one of the most influential British theologians for a number of decades. It focuses on perspectives to inform moral debate and discernment in the future.

Presents groundbreaking essays written by an excellent list of contributors.

Bernard Hoose, Preface Julie Clague, Introduction Gerard Mannion, 'It's Great to Be Alive' The Contributors Part One - Issues in fundamental moral theology Chapter 1: Bernard Hoose, The Way Beyond Civilisation: The Holy Spirit and Moral Theology Chapter 2: Judith Merkle, The World and Moral Theology Chapter 3: Rudolf Hein, Conscience: Dictator or Guide? - Metaethical and Biographical Reflections in the Light of a Humanist Conception of Conscience Chapter 4: Gerard J. Hughes, Applying a Moral Principle Chapter 5: Jayne Hoose, Dialogue as Tradition Chapter 6: Julie Clague, Moral Theology and Doctrinal Change Chapter 7: Enda MacDonagh, The Good News in Moral Theology: Of Hospitality, Healing and Hope Part Two - Issues in medical and sexual ethics Chapter 8: Jacqui A. Stewart, Embryo, Person and Pregnancy: A New Look at the Beginning of Life Chapter 9: Jan Jans, The Moral Status of the Human Embryo according to Donum Vitae: Analysis of and Comment on Key Passages Chapter 10: Jack Mahoney, On a Human Right to Die Chapter 11: Joseph Selling, Contraception and Sin Chapter 12: Todd Salzman and Michael Lawler, Deconstructing and Reconstructing Complementarity as a Foundational Sexual Principle in Catholic Sexual Ethics: The (Im)Morality of Homosexual Acts Chapter 13: Barry McMillan, Dissecting the Discourse: Homosexuality and Same-Sex Unions Part Three - Issues in social and political ethics Chapter 14: Suzanne Mulligan, 'A Strange Sort of Freedom': HIV/AIDS and Moral Agency Chapter 15: Celia Deane-Drummond, Animal Ethics: Where Do We Go From Here? Chapter 16: Patrick Hannon, Gott's Law: Thou Shalt Not Blaspheme Chapter 17: Linda Hogan, Same-Sex Relationships and the Common Good: A Theological Comment Part Four - Issues in ecclesiology Chapter 18: Ladislas Örsy, Has Ecumenism a Future? Chapter 19: Steven Shakespeare, The Paradox of the Inclusive Church. Can Ecclesiology Live With Questions? Chapter 20: James Keenan, Church Leadership, Ethics, and the Moral Rights of Priests Chapter 21: Peter Harvey, Kevin Kelly: Establishment Man? Chapter 22: Tina Beattie, From Rosaries to Rights - Towards an Integrated Catholicism Part Five - Kevin Kelly and the interface of moral and pastoral theology Chapter 23: Gerard Mannion, Compassion as the Fundamental Basis of Morality Chapter 24: John Elford, Kevin Kelly: Priest and Moral Theologian Chapter 25: John Battle MP, Kevin Kelly and Political Humility Chapter 26: Charles Curran, Kevin T. Kelly and the Role of the Pastoral Moral Theologian Chapter 27: Kevin T. Kelly, The Role of Personal Story in the Teaching of Moral Theology Bibliography of Kevin T. Kelly

'The essays are essentially honest enquiries, seeking to shed some light on some of the most pressing moral issues of our time, such as divorce and second marriage, homosexuality, the relationship between conscience and authority. While at times they disagree with official Church teaching, it is always with a respectful and scholarly concern for the Christian tradition and a willingness to learn from others, both Christian and non-Christian.' Kevin Dean
"As a public voice honoring the life and work of Kevin Kelly, this collection raises the bar on what such Festschriften can achieve...This Festschrift not only introduces readers to Kelly's wide range of influence (at least in the English-speaking world), but it also suggests that members of the guild commit to dialogically probe the depths of the tradition, to bring more experiences to the table, and to collaborate in finding what matters most in and for the real world." -Mary Jo Iozzio, Theological Studies, Sept. 2009
"This collection offers meaningful theological reflection and insights for undertaking moral theology in the twenty-first century." -Kathryn Lilla Cox, Worship, Vol. 83, July 2009
Title reviewed by Peter Mullen in Catholic Herald, 2008.
"The book's unity and strength arise from several elements. Most of the essays in some way challenge the magisterial status quo and all of them reflect directly or indirectly Kelly's concerns and influence. Most importantly, however, the essays share a pastoral sensibility - a concern for the person that is stronger than that the concern for doctrinal purity - that derives from Kelly himself. The challenges to the church's treatment of, for instance, the AIDS crisis and its attending controversies are rooted in the actual lives of those most affected. Kelly's conviction that the moral theologian must work with the heart of a pastor is evident throughout the book. No prior familiarity with Kelly's work is necessary to learn from these essays, but it is unlikely that many will finish the book without then reaching soon for Kelly's own work." --Eric Biddy, Anglican Theological Review 92:1
As such, the volume includes rigorous, pastorally-sensitive essays on a multitude of specific areas: sexual complementarity, contraception, homosexuality, animal ethics, HIV/AIDS, ecclesiological issues such as ecumenism, and many more. Usefully, however, it also contains what might be called meta-ethical reflections, such as those on the nature of conscience, doctrine, and moral theology itself.' Susannah Cornwall
'This Festschrift not only introduces readers to Kelly's wide range of influence (at least in the English-speaking world), but it also suggests that members of the guild commit to dialogically probe the depths of the tradition, to bring more experiences to the table, and to collaborate in flnding what matters most in and for the real world. With these issues inmind, the collection will be helpful in a graduate course dedicated to the principal preoccupations of moral theology since Vatican 11.' Mary Jo Iozzio, Barry University, Miami Shores, Fla.