DEPARTMENT OF MORAL THEOLOGY

Introduction

Moral Theology fundamentally considered is a systematic and methodical understanding of Christian faith and the truths of Christian faith in relation to human conduct. Moral Theology begins, not from the rational reflection in one’s proper being but from reflection in revelation accepted in faith. It is both a study of God who inserts our life in his salvific work and also of man created by God and elevated to life in Christ Jesus.

The second Vatican council brought to the attention of the whole church the need of renewal in theology and moral Theology in particular. Concerning moral theology, the council complains that “the institutions, laws, and modes of thinking and feeling as handed down from previous generations do not always seem to be well adapted to the contemporary state of affairs”. (GS.7). Hence an imbalance develops between theoretical system of thought, which cannot fully master all the aspects of man’s existence today and a way of life and acting which is modern in practical matters, between the demands of moral conscience and a concern for practicality and efficiency. (GS.8). Today, moral theology is required to bridge this gap, and to reconcile theory and practice.

There is a close relationship between moral Theology and all other branches of theology. This is because it deals with all aspects of human conduct. As science and technology advances in modern discoveries, moral theology is also advancing in its approach to those other discoveries. This is because, they affect the human conduct. The pastoral constitution on the church in the modern word is one of the documents of the second Vatican council dedicated to questions of moral and pastoral theology. This document offers many contributions to a better understanding of Christian morality.

The aim of the Department is to make the students understand the teachings of the council, the popes, and synods that come after the council, especially as they relate to their moral actions. The courses offered are designed to help the students to achieve the above objectives, and to be abreast with modern discoveries in knowledge.

There are four stress Areas in the overall design of the courses. These include:

• The Methodology and General principles,
• Marriage
• Morality in society
• These stress Areas relate to the other parts of Theology.

A SESSION COURSES OVERVIEW

*students are expected to take at least one seminar in the semester.