Paul and Virtue Ethics: Building Bridges Between New Testament Studies and Moral Theology [Hardcover]

In Paul and Virtue Ethics, Daniel Harrington and James Keenan build upon their successful collaboration Jesus and Virtue Ethics to discuss the apostle Paul's teachings as a guide to interpret theology and ethics today. Examining Paul's writings, the authors investigate what they teach about the basic questions of virtue ethics: Who am I? Who do I want to become? And how do I get there? Their intent is not to provide stringent rules, but to awaken discovery and encourage dialogue. The book first considers the concept of virtue ethics, an approach to ethics that emphasizes moral character, and Paul's ethics in particular. Next, the authors focus on the virtues of faith, love/charity, and hope as treated by Paul and Thomas Aquinas. Closing the book with reflections on the roles of other virtues (and vices) in individual and communal Christian life, the authors discuss various issues in social ethics and sexual morality as they are dealt with in Paul and in Christian virtue ethics today.

Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, was professor of New Testament at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. He was the author of a number of books, including How Do Catholics Read the Bible? and, with James F. Keenan, Jesus and Virtue Ethics.

James F. Keenan, SJ,holds the Canisius Chair at Boston College and is director of the Jesuit Institute. He is the author or editor of sixteen books, including Moral Wisdom: Lessons and Texts from the Catholic Tradition and Ethics of the Word: Voices in the Catholic Church Today.

One could not ask for better guides through Paul and virtue ethics than we have in Harrington and Keenan. The clarity of their exposition and comprehensive grasp of their fields makes this book a welcome resource for any student of Paul and virtue. Theological Studies

By using virtue ethics to read Paul and by using Paul to understand virtue ethics, two prestigious scholars in their respective fields serve up a gourmet banquet that blendlc­