The Way of the Lord Jesus, 3 Volumes by Germain Grisez
Volume 1: Christian Moral Principles
Volume One of Germain Grisez's three-volume work is constructed primarily as a textbook in fundamental moral theology for students in Catholic seminaries. However, those already ordained to the priesthood, teachers of religion, parents concerned about the catechetical formation of their children, and others will find this book helpful as well. Some questions naturally arise regarding this monumental undertaking. Why, for example, should so extensive a project be carried out in one field - that of moral theology? And why should seminary students devote so much of their time to this one subject? The answer is that morality is the characteristic of human actions are not what is most fundamental in reality as a whole or in Christian life specifically - (far more basic is the reality itself and the work of God in creation and redemption) - nevertheless, God had chosen to create persons who can be like himself by acting intelligently and freely. And this is what morality is all about. This volume is only the first stage of a much larger project. In the present volume, the author considers only the fundamental part of moral theology: Christian moral principles. In subsequent volumes, he takes up the specific responsibilities of Christians and clarifies their responsibilities in the light of these principles. The Second Volume, Living a Christian Life, deals with the responsibilities common all Christians. And the Third Volume, Difficult Moral Questions seeks to provide guidance, if not always answers, to some 200 intriguing problems that Christians grapple with each day.
Hardcover: 1005 pages
Volume 2: Living a Christian Life
This Second Volume in Germain Grisez's monumental study treats the specific moral responsibilities common to all or most lay people as well as those common to clerics and religious. Like Volume One's chapters, those of this work are divided into questions and answers based upon the conviction that the whole of the unique life to which God calls each Christian is his or her personal vocation. Each vocation embraces the whole one's life, not merely part of it, for God calls each believer - a calling not limited to the specific "vocations" to priesthood or religious life, marriage of the single state - to love and serve him with the whole of his or her heart, mind, soul, and strength. Vatican II adopted this inclusive understanding of vocation because it is eminently conducive to the integration of faith and daily life. Christian morality goes beyond the concept of laws imposed by God to an approach that promotes the good to be found in this world without going to the extreme of secular humanism which offers redemption without the cross. Insofar as Christians who try to fulfill their personal vocations are cooperating with Jesus, they are not left to their own resources. They are bolstered by God's grace. Hence, this volume deals with faith, hope, charity, justice, mercy and the other virtues, using them to illuminate and unify many specific norms of Christian morality.
Hardcover: 974 pages
Volume 3: Difficult Moral Questions
Like the other volumes in the series entitled The Way of the Lord Jesus, this one is intended primarily for use as a seminary text or instructional resource. But unlike the earlier volumes, which mainly present common Catholic teaching and reflect on it theologically, this volume deals with questions not yet the subject of explicit of clearly applicable Church teachings. Conscientious lay people facing challenging moral questions and those from whom they seek advice will find here guidance not available elsewhere: if not replies to their questions, a model for thinking about questions more or less like those they have. The 200 plus questions dealt with in this book really are difficult. Most of them are more difficult than it initially might seem. Quite often, the proposed reply qualifies or disagrees with something asserted or assumed by the questioner. The reader must be prepared to be challenged. The focus is always on trying to help a questioner form his or her own conscience and make good choices. Public opinion polls and the opinions of supposed experts are never treated as morally authoritative. Legalistic minimalism and impracticable idealism are avoided. Legitimate alternative ways of dealing with problems are often suggested. The motive of hope -- intending heaven and fearing hell -- regularly overarches and under girds every other motive proposed for living the truth of a well-formed conscience.
Hardcover: 959 pages
