Christian Moral Reasoning: An Analytic Guide

Hallett is- at home in the tradition of Roman Catholic moral theology, in recent Protestant ethical literature, and in modern Anglo-American philosophy. . . . This is a rare combination, and an exceedingly welcome one. Those steeped in Catholic moral theology, including those whose native language is English, often owe their largest philosophical debts to Franco- German existentialism and phenomenology. They fail accordingly to make sustained connections with modern Anglo-American philosophical literature. Hallett s book is a notable exception on the general scene. It is an impressive intellectual achievement, as a work of Christian ethics, not intended solely for Catholics. Gene Outka, Dwight Professor of Philosophy and Christian Ethics, Yale University Garth Hallett s insightful study thoroughly conversant with Anglo- American moral philosophy and profoundly nourished by Christian wisdom argues that if Christian moral reasoning is to be both consistent and true to its past, it must be based on the balance of value-maximization must be its logic and its law. Christian Moral Reasoning is a careful unfolding of this broadly teleological thesis and its implications without being consequentialist. I recommend it as a well argued and wise middle position shared by many contemporary theologians, and one that does justice both to our moral experience and its Christian roots. Richard A. McCormick, S.J., Rose F. Kennedy Professor of Christian Ethics, Georgetown University