CATHOLIC MORAL THOUGHT

General Editor: Romanus Cessario, O.P.

Sex and Virtue

An Introduction to Sexual Ethics

John S. Grabowski

The Catholic University of America Press
Washington, D.C.

Copyright © 2003
The Catholic University of America Press
All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standards for Information Science—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library materials, ANSI Z39.48-1984.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Grabowski, John S.

      Sex and virtue : an introduction to sexual ethics / John S. Grabowski.
                   p. cm.—(Catholic moral thought)
          Includes bibliographical references.
          ISBN 0-8132-1345-2 (cloth : alk. paper) —
          ISBN 0-8132-1346-0 (pbk. : alk. paper)
         1. Sex—Religious aspects—Catholic Church. 2. Sexual ethics. 3. Catholic Church—Doctrines. I. Title. II. Series.
BX1795.S48 G73 2004
241'.66—dc21
2002015319

ISBN-13: 978-0-8132-2053-6 (electronic)

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Clashing Symbols: Sex, Conscience, and Authority

I. The Experience of Alienation

II. Sex: The American Ethos

III. Humanae vitae: Flashpoint of Controversy

IV. The Legal Powder Keg

V. A Twofold Alienation

2. Covenant and Sacrament

I. Biblical Interpretation

II. The Nature of Covenant

III. Sex as Covenantal: Genesis 2

IV. Covenantal Sexuality Fallen and Redeemed

V. Intercourse as Anamnesis: Theological Developments

3. Kingdom, Discipleship, Character

I. Conversion and Discipleship

II. Kingdom, Covenant, Beatitude

III. The Character of a Disciple

IV. Sex and Character

V. Toward a Spirituality of Christian Sexuality

4. Sex and Chastity

I. Chastity and Early Christianity

II. Chastity in Aquinas

III. The Eclipse of Chastity in Moral Teaching

IV. Chastity and Personalism

V. Psychological Perspectives

VI. Chastity and Culture

5. Male and Female: Equality, Difference, Dignity

I. Genesis Revisited

II. Other Biblical Teaching

III. Contemporary Reflections

IV. Ethical Import

V. Conclusion

6. Covenant Fidelity, Fertility, and the Gift of Self

I. Fertility and the Gift of Self

II. Some Implications

III. Further Questions

IV. A Test Case for Growth in Marital Chastity: The Practice of Periodic Continence

7. Teaching Sex: Education, Sexuality, Character

I. Vision and Values

II. Practices Make Perfect

III. Moral Norms: Only the Beginning

IV. An Authentic Gradualism

V. The Role of Community

VI. Friendship

VII. Toward a Culture of Life

VIII. Conclusion

Works Cited

Index

Acknowledgments

The Assumption of Mary, like all Marian doctrines, not only further reveals the mystery of Christ but sheds light on the dignity and destiny of all of the redeemed as well. For her flesh, born to human parents through sexual union, now lives in the presence of the Triune God. Such is the destiny of all men and women united to her Son in faith and love, whether married, single, or celibate. This book is a ...

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About Sex and Virtue: An Introduction to Sexual Ethics

"Grabowski offers a compelling rationale for the virtue of chastity that takes into account the sensibilities and challenges of the contemporary world" (Raymond Dennehy, Professor Emeritus, University of San Francisco).
 
"A welcome addition to an often contentious literature," Sex and Virtue provides a theological foundation for consideration of the moral dimensions of human sexuality from a Roman Catholic perspective ( Catholic Books Review). In the hope of contributing to the ongoing renewal of moral theology sparked by the Second Vatican Council, John S. Grabowski discusses the systemic application of biblical and virtue-based categories on the topic of sexuality. A number of issues are examined including: the historical setting regarding attitudes and practices concerning sexuality; key biblical, historical, and contemporary resources for articulating a virtue-based approach to sexual ethics; current issues with which such an approach must wrestle; and some description of how to foster growth in moral virtue, particularly chastity. Ultimately, Sex and Virtue offers a compelling vision of human sexuality in the light of Christian faith that can provide a viable alternative to dominant cultural ideologies that trivialize sex and concrete practices that can enable growth in moral freedom.
 
" Sex and Virtue is a splendid result of Grabowski's response to the call of Vatican II to find scriptural support for Catholic moral teaching. The ecumenical potential of this book is tremendous; Christians can only marvel at the resources in scripture for establishing sexual morality—a morality that puts sexuality in service of love, life, and salvation." —Janet E. Smith, former professor of moral theology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary of Detroit

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Table of Contents