In this magisterial volume Charles E. Curran surveys the historical development of Catholic moral theology in the United States from its 19th century roots to the present day. He begins by tracing the development of pre-Vatican II moral theology that, with the exception of social ethics, had the limited purpose of training future confessors to know what actions are sinful and the degree of sinfulness.

Curran then explores and illuminates the post-Vatican II era with chapters on the effect of the Council on the scope and substance of moral theology, the impact of Humanae vitae, Pope Paul VI's encyclical condemning artificial contraception, fundamental moral theology, sexuality and marriage, bioethics, and social ethics.

Curran's perspective is unique: For nearly 50 years, he has been a major influence on the development of the field and has witnessed firsthand the dramatic increase in the number and diversity of moral theologians in the academy and the church. No one is more qualified to write this first and only comprehensive history of Catholic moral theology in the United States.

The book is published by Georgetown University Press.

"This volume needs to be in every university and college library." (Horizons)

"An invaluable guide for scholar and student alike, showing us why moral theology matters beyond academia." (Lisa Sowle Cahill, Boston College)

"This book is a must read for every graduate student of moral theology." (Richard M. Gula, SS, Franciscan School of Theology/Graduate Theological Union)