Moral Theology (Liguori)
Moral Theology (also known as the Theologia Moralis) is a nine-volume work concerning Catholic moral theology written between 1748 and 1785 by Alphonsus Liguori, a Catholic theologian and Doctor of the Church. This work is not to be confused with Theologia moralis universa ad mentem S. Alphonsi, a 19th-century treatise by Pietro Scavini written in the philosophical tradition of Alphonsus Liguori.[1]
Description[edit]
Nine editions of Moral Theology were published during the author's lifetime, the first of which was released in 1748 and consisted of annotations on a treatise called Medulla Theologiae Moralis by Hermann Busenbaum, a 17th-century Jesuit theologian. After the eighth edition in 1779, Alphonsus considered his work definitive, and in 1785 the ninth edition finalized the book's contents.[2] Since his death, many further editions have been published, including a partially completed English edition from Mediatrix Press, the first volume of which was released in 2017.
The contents of each volume of Moral Theology are listed broadly below:[3]
- Volume 1: Preface to the discourse (dissertatio prolegomena), on conscience, on laws, on the theological virtues, and on the first commandment
- Volume 2: On commandments II, III, IV, V, VI, IX and VII, on justice and laws, and on restitution
- Volume 3: On contracts, on commandments VIII, IX (again) and X, on the precepts of the church, and on the precepts of the individual
- Volume 4: On the canonical hours, on human actions, on sins, on the sacraments in general, and on Baptism and Confirmation
- Volume 5: On the Eucharist, on the sacrifice of the mass, and on Penance
- Volume 6: On Penance (continued), on Extreme Unction, on Holy Orders, and on Matrimony
- Volume 7: On Matrimony (continued), and on judgments and irregularities
- Volume 8: On the practice of confessions, examination of ordinands, summary of moral doctrines and canons from the works of Benedict XIV
- Volume 9: Episcopal decrees, appendices, general index
Mid-19th century and later editions may also include prefatory documents concerning Liguori's life, his beatification and canonization, or his recognition as a Doctor of the Church.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Meager, P.K. (2003). "Scavani, Pietro". New Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 12 (2nd ed.). Gale Publishing. p. 726. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
- ^ Vereecke, Louis (2003). "Alphonsus Liguori, St.". New Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 (2nd ed.). Gale Publishing. pp. 307–312. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
- ^ Liguori, St. Alphonsus (1879). Theologia Moralis S. Alphonsi M. de Ligorio [Moral Theology of St. Alphonsus M. Liguori] (in Latin). Vol. 1. Turin, Italy: Giacinto Marietti. ISBN 9781286008812.