Catholic Social Teaching, 1891-Present

"[Curran] is a master teacher whose writing gives wonderfully clear expression to the careful, comprehensive, and yet critical approach he brings to theological ethics." -- Journal of the American Academy of Religion "Curran's strongest book in years. It is a fresh, original, and balanced analysis, one that shows Curran's careful scholarship and discerning judgments in a striking way. It may create more controversy for Curran, but its existence is an argument for academic freedom as well as the values promoted in Catholic social teaching. It is a welcome addition to Curran's mature work and deserves wide attention inside and outside the tradition in which he writes." -- Journal of Religion "This work by Charles E. Curran is scholarly, accessible, and committed. The presentation of the content and methodologies of Catholic social teaching is energetic and insightful. His own proposals regarding both possible future developments and the resolution of existing tensions are constructive and engaging. This work makes a valuable contribution to ongoing reflection on Catholic social teaching and is a 'must' for anyone interested in that area of scholarship." -- Irish Theological Quarterly "This book shows why peers regard Charles Curran as the most important Catholic moral theologian working in the U.S. today. This volume is likely to become a standard point of reference for scholars seeking a succinct presentation of the most important aspects of Catholic social teaching as well as a sympathetically critical assessment of its shortcomings. It will very likely remain for many years the best overview of the tradition of modern Catholic social thought through the early 21st century. All who want to appreciate that tradition's strengths and limits should study this book with care." -- Theological Studies "Here Curran is at his most creative as he assesses the ethical and theological presuppositions upon which Catholic social thought is based. [A] valuable contribution to the study of Catholic social thought that will be informative to the historian and moral theologian alike...insightfully conveys both the strengths and limitations of a major strand of Christian ethical deliberation." -- American Catholic Studies