Theologia Moralis by Alphonsus Van Kol, S. J.

Abstract

594 BOOK REVIEWS for the Christian. His thought is simple, and he avoids overloading the meditations with modern controversies about the divine indwelling. Danielou's book is timely for more than one reason. When theology is being so greatly influenced by what one may call "historicity," Christians may need to be reminded that Jesus of Nazareth is also the Eternal Word of God. Moreover, when the Church is initiating dialogue with men of other faiths, a common ground may be found with Hindus and Buddhists in this aspect of the Christian faith rather than in presenting the historical incarnation of Christ. I do not know if this book will be part of the English edition of the "Theological Meditations." It would be a pity if it were omitted, for it is an excellent example of theology and meditation. St. Charles Seminary Nagpur, India A. MANLY. O.P. Theologia Moralis. By ALPHONSUS VAN KoL, S. J. Barcelona: Editorial Herder, 1968. Vol. I, pp. 8£4, $17.14; Vol. II, pp. 716, $19.£8. These compendious volumes represent the first appearance since Vatican II of a complete moral theology manual. In view of the literature that has been written on the necessity of a renewal of moral theology, seconded by the Council itself, the present work will not satisfy those who are looking for a radically new approach in content or in format. This is no such rewrite or eye-catching presentation. Vol. I treats of General Moral Theology: de vita theologali-the theological virtues and the virtue of Christian humanity (a special virtue for the author, distinct from theological charity, natural in substance and supernatural in mode, whose object is the proper natural goodness of man) ; de vita cultuali-the virtue of religion; de vita morali-the cardinal virtues. Vol. II is entirely devoted to the sacraments, in which the author had the collaboration of his fellow Dutchman, P. Huizing, S. J., in the tracts on Holy Order and Matrimony. The use of the Latin language is explained by Fr. Van Kol's intent to make his text universally usable. Moreover, it has been left to the reader to apply the moral doctrine to the circumstances and positive law of his own country, especially in matters of justice. Casuistic considerations have been reduced to a necessary minimum. Highly technical words have been also translated into the seven major vernacular tongues. The bibliographies amply diffused throughout the volumes give a sampling of the pertinent literature up through the early sixties. They contain some British and American works but more Dutch and European references. The passages of Vatican II and the recent documents of the Holy See, BOOK REVIEWS 595 including Pastorale Munus and De Episcoporum Muneribus, are appropriately employed throughout. Some further improvements over previous manuals of this type may be listed. An interesting change is the exclusive location of the tract on marilal and extra-marital chastity in Vol. I under temperance rather than in connection with Matrimony. A more extensive treatment is given to the pathological impediments to the freedom of the human act, to situation ethics, to the Christological aspect of the virtues, to religious liberty, to cooperation in sacris, to sex education. Following Pius XII the author rejects the opinion which in principle absolves youths who commit masturbatory acts from all sin or from grave sin. He supports the view that a woman who is in danger of being raped may take the anti-conception pill. Written before the publication of Humanae Vitae, the text strictly adheres to the norms of Paul VI. The author opts for a middle position on periodic abstinence, justifying it in its relationship to the finality of marriage and for matrimonial motives. The special question of overpopulation is also considered. A chapter of some fourteen pages is devoted to the question of war, with notes on the lawfulness of a preventive war and on the justice of universal conscription and of conscientious objection. In the second volume we can note the evaluation of the special intention of the Mass celebrant, e. g., that the intention of a stipend is no more efficacious than other accompanying special intentions, and that, in lieu of any...