Moral Theology

• MORL 501  Fundamental Moral Theology I (3)
  A course on the basic principles of moral theology, including free choice, conscience, moral norms, fundamental option and sin. Also treated are the scriptural roots and history of moral theology and Vatican II’s call for its renewal. The course presents a natural law approach grounded in basic human goods as developed by Germain Grisez from the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas.
• MORL 502  Fundamental Moral Theology II (3)
  A study of the transformative effect of faith on morality and the moral implications of hoping for fulfillment in Christ. The course considers the significance for moral theology of grace, virtue, sacraments, prayer, personal vocation, magisterium, and dissent from moral teaching. Contemporary debates are explored in the context of a careful reading in light of Veritatis Splendor.
• MORL 602  Christian Love and Justice (3)
  Commutative justice and church teaching on social justice, with special attention to the central themes and principles of that doctrine, as applicable globally and to the American scene in particular, so as to enable the future priest to be an advocate for justice. The course includes the potential parts of justice, with attention to the just war and capital punishment teachings. Attention is also given to the use of the media, and to art and morality.
• MORL 801  Catholic Medical and Sexual Morality (3)
  A survey of Catholic healthcare ethics as well as the requirements of chastity for single, celibate and homosexual persons. Topics are treated from theoretical and practical perspectives with particular attention to arguments supportive of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services and Catholic magisterial teaching on respect for human life and love.
• MORL 802  Marriage and Family (3)
  This course equips priesthood candidates to prepare couple for marriage and provide pastoral care for families. It offers, in light of Humanae Vitae and Familiaris Consortio, a treatment of conjugal morality and a theology of marriage that emphasizes both its natural goodness and its supernatural significance as a sacrament of the new covenant and a genuine call to holiness.

Elective Courses: M.A. (Theology) degree candidates, concomitant with requirement, take an additional one-credit directed research course to meet the Research Portfolio required for the degree.

• MORL 906  Survey of U.S. Catholic Moral Theologians (2)
  Review and appraisal of post-conciliar fundamental moral theologians such as Lisa Sowle Cahill, Charles Curran, Richard Gula, William E. May, Germain Grisez, Kenneth and Michael Himes, Richard A. McCormick, Jean Porter and others in light of Veritatis Splendor.(Spring, even years)
• MORL 907  Readings from the Summa I (3 or 2)
  The course will be a reading of the 1a2ae (First Part of the Second Part) of St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologiae. It concerns the beginning of the reditus to God: man’s last end, and in detail how man is particularly endowed by nature and grace to journey to his goal. Attention is given to the structure of the human act, the passions in particular, and habits.  The course for the S.T.B. program is a 3-credit program, containing 27 sessions of 75 minutes each semester. For other students it is a 2-credit elective with 18 sessions, with a corresponding adjustment in the reading assignments.  (Fall, odd years)
• MORL 908  Readings from the Summa II (3 or 2)
  The course is a continuation of the Summa, 2a2ae. Though useful, MORL 907 is not a prerequisite. The course deals with the theological and infused moral virtues, with their integral, subjective and potential parts. Special charisms and the states of life are also included. The course for the STB program is a 3-credit program, containing 27 sessions of 75 minutes each semester. For other students it is a 2-credit elective with 18 sessions, with a corresponding adjustment in the reading assignments. (Spring, odd years)
• MORL 909  Case Studies in Moral Theology (2)
  This course teaches students how to apply basic principles of moral theology to specific problems. Students analyze various cases drawn from the fields of medical, sexual, and business ethics. The course is designed to prepare priests to exercise fidelity, intelligence and pastoral sensitivity in helping those who face moral dilemmas. (Fall, even years)
• MORL 911  Readings in Vatican II (3)
  Reading and discussion of some of the documents of Vatican II: issues in morality, ethics and contemporary society.
• MORL 912  Suffering and the Problem of Evil (3)
  Seminar dealing with suffering, the experience of evil, and with evil itself. Discussion on questions of pastoral care of persons who are suffering.