Moral Wisdom: Lessons and Texts from the Catholic Tradition (Sheed & Ward Books)
Moral wisdom is hard to come by because it is so complex. Most of us strive for moral wisdom throughout our lives but never totally attain it. In this book, James F. Keenan skillfully brings together deep theological knowledge, historical lessons, acute pastoral sensitivity, broad spiritual experiences, and true prudence in proposing moral wisdom for Christian life and spirituality today. (Charles E. Curran, Elizabeth Scurlock University Professor of Human Values at Southern Methodist University and former President of the Catholic Th)Fr. James Keenan is one of those rare contemporary theologians who compellingly weave together rich pastoral experience and masterful intellectual inquiry. To read him is to hear not only the considered wisdom of Catholic moral teaching, but to have the privilege of hearing a learned man struggling to work out his own moral practices. In this book, lay readers and scholars alike can see how Catholic moral tradition informs a life of discernment, love, and everyday courage. (Tom Beaudoin, Santa Clara University, author of Consuming Faith)Father Jim Keenan is one of today's foremost moral theologians.Moral Wisdomreflects his distinctive combination of intellectual mastery of the tradition and sensitivity to today's concerns. He places the older, "sin-oriented" approach to moral theology within its proper context in a sapiential tradition of moral reflection, in a way that is at one and the same time intellectually satisfying and pastorally accessible. While this book is intended predominantly for a general audience, it is also rich in insights for professionals in the field. I recommend it highly and look forward to its publication. (Jean Porter, John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, author of Natural and Divine Law: Reclaiming the Traditio)Imagine a book that is at once a source of profound wisdom, a systematic presentation of a moral and ethical tradition, and a "page-turner!" This is what James Keenan'sMoral Wisdomturns out to be. There is nothing facile about this volume, nothing superficial, nothing manipulative. It weaves together autobiography, the stories of others, interpretation of biblical and theological texts, and a deep understanding of what morality is and what the Roman Catholic tradition of moral theology has been and can be when it is at its best. Few will come away from reading this book without imaginative new hope, salutary appreciation for "hard sayings," new insight into the meaning of divine mercy, and perhaps experiences of both laughter and the "gift of tears." Thought-provoking and informative, opening questions and not shutting them down: here is a significant contribution to ongoing explorations of the moral life. (Margaret A. Farley, Gilbert Stark Professor of Christian Ethics, Yale University Divinity School)This is a lovely book! Keenan probes his own experiences of struggle, suffering and love, interweaving them with biblical reflection and theological analysis. He looks fault and sorrow squarely in the face, yet sustains buoyant notes of hope and commitment. The content of this book is an exercise in the virtue of its title. (Lisa Sowle Cahill, J. Donald Monan Professor of Theology, Boston College)A readable, uncommonly good book that should be required reading for anyone preparing for or engaged in pastoral ministry. (Library Journal)[Keenan's books] read like very good sermons or college lectures by a priest both learned and engaged in the world. By making the Catholic tradition come alive, the books invite moral reflection and struggle. (Theological Studies)James Keenan puts "flesh and bones" on the abstractions of moral theory and demonstrates from his own personal experience how the Christian moral life is a pilgrimage of faith, hope and love. Keenan's book will be used widely in college classrooms and seminaries alike. His clarity, honesty and passion ought to be emulated by every moral theologian. (Stephen J. Pope, associate professor of theology, Boston College)