James Keating has gathered in this volume a group of essays by leading moral theologians on the topic of how being good is related to being holy in the context of pastoral life. The essays articulate a dialogue between the principles of spirituality and moral theology in order to give moral theology a renewed voice with which to speak to the current age. Dennis Billy CSsR sets the tone of the collection by placing the themes of Christian ethics and spirituality in the context of the parish. Mark O'Keefe OSB, specifies further the role of the parish in his essay on liturgical preaching. For Kenneth Himes OFM, the key moral work to be accomplished in the parish is the formation of conscience - why the formation of conscience has been sidelined and "hardness of heart" has taken the ascendancy in some believers. Edward C. Vacek SJ, explores the meaning of gratitude to God. And, finally, Pamela Smith SSCM, integrates the themes of the previous essays into a meditation upon what criteria exist for living a life of moral goodness and holiness.
Incisive, thought provoking, and thoroughly readable, these essays will be valuable for theologians, pastors, and parish staffs, as well as for university and seminary courses in both moral theology and spirituality.