This study by a Jesuit moral theologian examines the events, personalities and conflicts which have contributed, from New Testament times to the present, to the Roman Catholic moral tradition and its contemporary crisis. The author interprets fundamental changes taking place in the subject today.

In the last forty years Roman Catholic moral theology has been experiencing revolutionary tension and change. In this unique and thoroughly documented study, a distinguished Jesuit moral theologian examines the events, personalities, and conflicts which have contributed, from New Testament times to the present, to the Roman Catholic moral tradition and its contemporary crisis, and interprets the fundamental changes taking place in the subject today.

'The publication of this book puts moral theologians, and students of moral theology, in John Mahoney's debt. He has given us a magisterial review of the themes, trends and doctrines which have given shape to moral teaching in the Church down the centuries. It is judicious, wise, and warmed occasionally with an affectionate humour.' Maurice Reidy, Holy Cross College, Dublin, The Heythrop Journal