Intrinsic evil: slavery and the death penalty

Over at Vox Nova, David Cruz-Uribe asks two questions: 1) Does the Church now teach that slavery is an intrinsic evil? 2) Should the Church teach that the death penalty is an intrinsic evil? These types of questions treat the … Continue reading

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Catholics who hate Christ

[Luke] {19:12} Therefore, he said: “A certain man of nobility traveled to a far away region, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. … {19:14} But his citizens hated him. And so they sent a delegation after him, … Continue reading

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Another point about contraception outside of marriage

A poster over at Catholic Answers made an excellent point, based on 1 Cor 6:16, that the unitive meaning may still be present, even if the marital or procreative meanings are absent, as in the case of a man who … Continue reading

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When will the secrets of Medjugorje begin?

In my speculative eschatology, the first three secrets of Medjugorje mark the start of the first part of the tribulation. These three events are three great blessings on the world: a blessing on the soul, on the spirit, and on … Continue reading

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Catholic teaching on homosexuality 2

Some persons claim that the sin of Sodom, for which God utterly destroyed the entire city, was merely inhospitality. This interpretation is absurd and disingenuous. [Genesis] {13:13} But the men of Sodom were very wicked, and they were sinners before … Continue reading

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On Celibacy, Continence, Chastity

“Celibacy is the renunciation of marriage implicitly or explicitly made, for the more perfect observance of chastity, by all those who receive the Sacrament of Orders in any of the higher grades.” (Catholic Encyclopedia, Celibacy of the Clergy) Celibacy is … Continue reading

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Can condoms be used by married couples if one spouse is infected with HIV?

There are three fonts of morality: 1. intention, 2. moral object, 3. circumstances. What makes an act moral? Three good fonts; no bad fonts. 1. The intended end is to prevent the transmission of disease. This is a good intended … Continue reading

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marital sexual ethics

Ethics concerns knowingly chosen acts. When a human person makes a choice with the free will, based on knowledge in the intellect, that choice is subject to the eternal moral law. Every knowing choice is an act, and every act … Continue reading

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the Song of Songs with saintly commentary

This website has an on-going project to make a new online study Bible with quotes from many different Saints. The Song of Songs annotation was recently completed. It is a useful antidote to foolish and offensive interpretations of the Song, … Continue reading

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A work of Roman Catholic moral theology

My most recent book, published earlier this year, is:
The Catechism of Catholic Ethics: A work of Roman Catholic moral theology

This book presents the teachings of Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium, as well as sound theological opinion and interpretation, on the basic principles of morality and their application, in a manner that is accessible to the ordinary layperson. This catechism was written to instruct those faithful Catholics who are willing to change their lives to conform ever more closely to the moral teachings of Jesus Christ, found in the teachings of the Catholic Church. This book is a balm for the wounds of the faithful, who have been grievously harmed by ignorance of sound moral theology, by the spread of false moral doctrines, and by the sinful influence of secular society.

Here is a chapter list. The book is over 700 pages. It covers basic principles of ethics (e.g. the three fonts of morality), as well as more advanced topics. There are many examples given of situations with their moral analysis. The book is comprehensive, but also accessible to the ordinary lay Catholic.

You can use the Look Inside feature at Amazon.com to read portions of the book.

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The Moral Theology of Adam

Adam sinned, just as Eve sinned. But he used a different excuse for his sin. He blamed someone else, Eve. {3:12} And Adam said, “The woman, whom you gave to me as a companion, gave to me from the tree, … Continue reading

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The Moral Theology of Eve

In the Garden of Eden, Eve sees the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, a.k.a. ‘the apple’. Satan asks Eve if God really said that it would be wrong to eat the apple. [Genesis 3] … Continue reading

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