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Dei Verbum and Christian Morals
Considers the implications of Vatican II's constitution on Scripture for moral theology. By Father Benedict Ashley, O.P.
Why Socrates Was Wrong: Moral Theology and Original Sin
An excellent study of the importance of the doctrine of original sin. A quote: "This doctrine influences a study of the moral life not so much through the historical fact of man’s first sin as through the consequences that sin had on the entire human race, consequences woven into the fabric of all future human activity....Original sin disrupted God’s plan for man....This disorder profoundly influences the way actual human persons live out their lives as moral beings." By St. Paul Center associate, Father Thomas D. Williams, L.C. (.pdf file, requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader). See also, by Father Williams:
- Values, Virtues, and John Paul II (.pdf file, requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Early Church Fathers on the Sanctity of Human Life
A good selection that demonstrates conclusively that Christian concern with unborn life started in the very beginning. From Byzantines.net.
The Early Church and Abortion
An impressive array of quotations from the Fathers of the Church and early Church Councils and manuals.
On Refusing Holy Communion to Anti-Life Legislators
A fine consideration of the canonical, moral and pastoral considerations. By St. Paul Center associate, Father Thomas D. Williams, L.C. (.pdf file, requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Early Church Fathers on Sexual Morality
A good representative selection, organized by topic. From Byzantines.net.
Feminism and Marriage: a Reflection on Ephesians 5:21-33
A study of the various biblical and theological interpretations of this famous passage, by Mary Shivanandan, a theologian at the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family in Washington, D.C.
Ministry and Marriage in the Scriptures
A good reflection by a Lutheran, Rev. Christopher Mitchell. (pdf files, requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
The Authority of Scripture in the Debate Over Homosexuality
Prof. Robert Gagnon, a Presbyterian scripture scholar, has written the definitive work on the meaning of the biblical texts related to homosexuality: The Bible and Homosexual Practice (Abingdon, 2001). We offer several shorter articles he has contributed on the subject (.pdf files, requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader.):
- The Bible and Homosexual Practice: An Overview of Some Issues
- The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Theology, Analogy and Genes
The Old Testament Attitude to Homosexuality
Interesting look at why the Scripture condemns homosexual acts. The answer: "It seems most likely that Israel's repudiation of homosexual intercourse arises out of its doctrine of creation....To allow the legitimacy of homosexual acts would frustrate the divine purpose and deny the perfection of God's provision of two sexes to support and complement one another." By Gordon Wenham of the College of St. Paul and St. Mary. Originally published in Expository Times. Other good studies:
- The Condemnation of Homosexuality in 1 Corinthians 6:9
- The Condemnation of Homosexuality in Romas 1:26-27
What God Hath Not Joined: Why Marriage Was Meant for Male and Female
A good defense of Scriptural and traditional teaching by Dr. Edith M. Humphrey, an Anglican laywoman and New Testament scholar at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. See also her related articles:
- What Constitutes a Faithful Reading of Scripture?
- What Is Disordered Sexuality?
- How Is Sexuality Understood in Scripture, Tradition, and Contemporary Theology?
- What Would It Mean for the Church to Bless Same-Sex Unions?
- The New Testament Speaks on Same-Sex Eroticism
- Holy Is as Holy Does
Communion and Koinonia: Pauline Reflections on Tolerance and Boundaries
By one of the best New Testament scholars, N.T. Wright. We also recommend his brief reflection on the implications of Jesus' preaching:
- A New World
Yahweh as God of War and God of Peace
A thorough treatment of the Old Testament material by Lutheran scholar, Rev. Daniel Gard. (.pdf files, requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
The Attitudes toward the State in the New Testament
A short but useful overview.
Capital Punishment and the Just Society
A thorough analysis of the moral issues underlying the death penalty discussion, informed by the thinking of Pope John Paul II. By St. Paul Center associate, Father Thomas D. Williams, L.C. (.pdf file, requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader)
