Confronting the Truth: Conscience in the Catholic Tradition [Paperback]

Linda Hogan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 2001

Linda Hogan's book is a balanced and clearly written examination of conscience in the Catholic tradition. "Although," she writes, "Vatican II sought to promote individual responsibility and autonomy in the moral realm, the politics and teaching of the church in subsequent years has undermined this." The result is an inevitable tension between conscience and other moral authorities in Catholicism.

The author explores the development of this tension historically, reviews its contemporary manifestations and finally constructs a positive theology of conscience that seeks to resolve this tension while remaining deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. This scholarly work, which draws upon the insights of classic and contemporary moral theologians, is an ideal college text, or ancillary text in courses on conscience and moral questions. But its accessible style will broaden its appeal to a wider audience.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Hogan (Univ. of Leeds, UK; not the Native American writer of the same name), who has written previously on feminist theology and ethics, explores the historical development of conscience in Catholic theology. She demonstrates how divergent views and moral distinctions have evolved and led to opposite schools of thought affecting contemporary theology. Hogan emphasizes the complexity of issues throughout the book and proposes that a personalist model of conscience is already rooted in Catholic tradition. She covers the roles of reason, intuition, emotion, and imagination in the processes of conscience dynamics, notes the central role of the faithful and the value of the "loyal opposition" in developing the recommendations of Vatican II, and suggests that existing tradition can provide the basis for a renewed theology of conscience. The book provides a useful current synthesis for study groups and is suitable for courses or discussion groups on moral theology.DAnna M. Donnelly, St. Johns Univ. Lib., Jamaica, NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A valuable contribution to ethical thinking and to a Church seeking its way out of deep divisions. -- Mary Grey, Author of Beyond the Dark Night: A Way Forward for the Church

An excellent text for scholars, graduate students, and anyone interested in an accessible overview of the Christian tradition about conscience. -- Richard C. Sparks, C.S.P., Ph.D., Author of To Treat of Not to Treat: Bioethics and the Handicapped and Making Sense of Christian Morality

Hogan presents traditional insights with a clarity and a compelling urgency, mindful of the competency of her lay readers. -- The Tablet (UK)

Hogan's book should be provocative reading for graduate students and theologians alike. -- Religious Studies Review

It makes a valuable contribution to ethical thinking and to a Church seeking its way out of deep divisions. -- Mary Grey, Author of Beyond the Dark Night: A Way Forward for the Church

It provides a useful current synthesis for study groups and is suitable for courses or discussion groups on moral theology. -- Library Journal

Provocative reading for graduate students and theologians alike. -- Religious Studies Review

The book provides a current synthesis for study groups and is suitable for courses or discussion groups on moral theology. -- Library Journal

This book makes a valuable contribution to the field of Catholic ethics, helpful to both students and teachers. -- Catholic Library World

This makes a valuable contribution to the field of Catholic ethics and should be helpful to both students and teachers. -- Catholic Library World

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (January 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809139812
• ISBN-13: 978-0809139811
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,730,318 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.