This course covers the foundations of the Christian moral life and of Christian moral decision making. The fundamental themes to be covered include, but are not limited to: freedom, conscience formation and moral agency, moral normativity, what constitutes moral reasoning, the use of scripture, tradition and natural law in moral decisions, the interplay between sin and grace, virtue ethics, and the ecclesial aspect of moral decisions.

The implications of Christian faith and theological reflection for contemporary society. The social dimensions of biblical ethics and the social teachings of the Catholic Church.

This course examines how the application of fundamental moral themes informs particular issues of Christian morality. Particular issues potentially covered fall under the global nature of moral theology, life and death, sexuality, biomedical ethics, ethics of pastoral ministry, and the intersection of church and state.

An examination of major social issues affecting rural America, the social justice dimensions of these issues, and their implications for ministry in the Church. Cross-listed with PTHM 456.