Towards an ecumenical ethic : reconciling the work of Germain Grisez, Stanley Hauerwas and Oliver O'Donovan
This thesis is concerned to further the renewal of moral theology in an age of ecumenism by drawing three of its important contemporary protagonists - Germain Grisez, Stanley Hauerwas and Oliver O'Donovan - into an ecumenical dialogue in the hope of reconciling their different approaches. This dialogue occurs in five stages. First, the question, what makes Christian ethics Christian? is considered using O'Donovan's and Hauerwas' emphasis on the distinct epistemological foundations and content of a Christian ethic as a benchmark. An interpretation of Grisez's natural law ethic is then offered which satisfies these conditions. Secondly, the relationship between O'Donovan's and Grisez's essentially realist theories is considered. The difference between them emerges as being primarily one of emphasis, with O'Donovan giving priority to the need for a Christian ethic to be unequivocally realist, while Grisez focuses on the need for sound philosophical argument. A reconciliation of their approaches which seeks to do justice to both sets of concerns is then suggested in the form of a Christian realist theory. Thirdly, a careful interpretation of Hauerwas' narrative ethic, which suggests that it is less subjectivist
Black, Rufus
Christian ethics
Towards an ecumenical ethic : reconciling the work of Germain Grisez, Stanley Hauerwas and Oliver O'Donovan. This thesis is concerned to further the renewal of moral theology in an age of ecumenism by drawing three of its important contemporary protagonists - Germain Grisez, Stanley Hauerwas and Oliver O'Donovan - into an ecumenical dialogue in the hope of reconciling their different approaches. This dialogue occurs in five stages. First, the question, what makes Christian ethics Christian? is considered using O'Donovan's and Hauerwas' emphasis on the distinct epistemological foundations and content of a Christian ethic as a benchmark. An interpretation of Grisez's natural law ethic is then offered which satisfies these conditions. Secondly, the relationship between O'Donovan's and Grisez's essentially realist theories is considered. The difference between them emerges as being primarily one of emphasis, with O'Donovan giving priority to the need for a Christian ethic to be unequivocally realist, while Grisez focuses on the need for sound philosophical argument. A reconciliation of their approaches which seeks to do justice to both sets of concerns is then suggested in the form of a Christian realist theory. Thirdly, a careful interpretation of Hauerwas' narrative ethic, which suggests that it is less subjectivist
towards ecumenical ethic reconciling work concern renewal moral theology age draw important contemporary protagonist ecumenical dialogue hope reconcile different_approach dialogue occur stage first question make christian_ethic christian consider use emphasis distinct epistemological foundation content christian_ethic benchmark interpretation natural_law ethic offer satisfies condition secondly relationship essentially realist theory consider difference_emerge primarily emphasis give priority need christian_ethic realist focus need sound philosophical_argument reconciliation approach seek justice set concern suggest form christian realist theory thirdly careful interpretation narrative ethic suggest less subjectivist