Christian ethics, Christian ethics -- Modernist authors 

The same enthusiastic reception was given to the English translation of the Law of Christ, Volume I that greeted its appearance in other languages. Hailed as "the most important publication in moral theology in this century," this volume was praised as "a giant stride in the right direction" to the new approach to moral theology. For the purpose of The Law of Christ is not to supplant the seminary manuals, nor to act as a vade mecum for the busy priest seeking immediate answers to problems clamoring for solutions. It is rather to offer a unique and new look at moral theology, which seeks its inspiration in biblical, pratristic, and liturgical sources, as well as in traditional writings and in the findings of modern science. The result is a milestone in the renewal of moral theology.

Volume I: "General Moral Theology," necessarily concerned with basic principles and background, stressed the picture of the Christian life as a positive and affirmative personal response to the call of Christ. The basic insight of Christian morality is that of Jesus, in proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom of Christ, offered salvation with an urgent and ecstatic invitation. The only response is openness to His revelation, an inner conversion, an affirmative reply to a personal encounter with Christ, carried out by the imitation of Christ as a member of His body. upon this the transformation of the world depends.

Here, in Volume II, "Special Moral Theology," this impressive picture of the Christian life is further developed and enlarged into the fruits of this conversion: a life in fellowship with God and a life in fellowship with man. The fellowship with God in faith, hope, and love is increased by worship and prayer; it does not place man in an exclusive, solitary personal encounter with God. The fundamental structure of the Christian life is the Commandment of Love, the basis of life in the community of the brethren. Rooted in the fellowship of faith, in the solidarity of hope, and in the love of the one Father and one Lord in the unity of the Spirit, life in fellowship with man bases authentically all responsibility for mankind and the social order in the world on a response to the redemptive Word of God.

Bernard Haring, a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), is superbly fitted for this work. He received his doctorate in theology from the University of Tubingen, where he studied under such great theologians as Karl Adam, Theodor Steinbuechel, Otto Schilling, and Romano Guardini. His practical experience includes four years as a military chaplain in World War II, most of the time on the Russian front. His teaching career is impressive: professor of moral theology and pastoral sociology at Gars, Germany (1947-1950), at Rome (1950-1957), and at the Alphonsian Institute in Rome since 1957. Since 1953 he has also directed the pastoral-sociological "European type" missions in West Germany and has taught pastoral theology in Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. At present he is a consultor to the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican.

Taken from the inside flaps.

Translated by Edwin C Kaiser, CPPS, STD

The Law of Christ: Moral Theology for Priests and Laity, Volume I: General Moral Theology

"Father Haring's work has received high praise both in the original and in translation. It is to be expected that his chosen approach to this important branch of theology will likewise gain the acclaim of a new audience." - The Thomist

"The work is warmly recommended to all educated Catholics - lay, religious, and priests - as one of the five or six most important books of theology produced in this century. . . . It can safely be said that his work will orientate theology for the rest of our century." - The National Catholic Reporter

"For many years theologians have been calling for a new approach to moral theology - an approach that would not only incorporate, but also be founded upon, the positive values of the Christian life. Granted that The Law of Christ may not be the complete answer to that call, it is nevertheless a giant stride in the right direction." -The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"Without doubt it is a work to be warmly recommended to every priest." - The Clergy Review

"It combines, in one masterly complete whole, a scientific treatise of moral theology and an exposition of ascetical theology." - The Sower

"Priests and laity alike must welcome this readable translation of the most outstanding contribution to moral theology in our century." - The Catholic Herald (London)

"This book will help to revitalize the sense of the 'good news' and to see the harmony of Christian truth. There is a wonder and awe, challenge and response, God and godly living in these pages. It is a magnificent work." - The Homiletic and Pastoral Review

Taken from the back cover.