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Christian Morality
The Word Becomes Flesh
Josef Fuchs, SJ. Translated by Brian McNeil
Georgetown University Press, 1987

In this third collection of his essays on Christian ethics, Josef Fuchs takes up a number of pressing questions both in fundamental and applied ethics.

Several essays explore the biblical basis for establishing Christian norms and principles for ethical decision-making. These deal in detail with th enature of human conscience and the effect on it fo religious values in a pluralistic culture. The author also deals with current and pressing issues of a Christian moral life: continuity and change in moral teaching as exemplified by the debate over religious freedom; pluralism in the understanding of Christian marriage as early as the twelfth century; bioethical problems dealing with the beginning and end of human life; and the general question, is there a "Catholic" ethical moral theology?

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Josef Fuchs on Natural Law
Mark Graham
Georgetown University Press, 2002

Appointed by Pope John XXIII to the Pontifical Commission on Population, Family, and Birth, Fuchs ultimately found himself disappointed in his three years of service and spent the next thirty years exploring a broad array of issues pivotal to a reconstruction of Roman Catholic natural law theory. This is the first full-length analysis of Fuchs's efforts.

Beginning historically by looking at Fuchs's writings and beliefs before the Pontifical Commission appointment, including his defense of natural law during the "situation ethics" debates of the 50s and 60s, the concept of personal salvation, and the status of "nature" and "human nature," Graham moves to the intellectual conversion that inspired Fuchs to reconsider his concepts following the commission appointment. From there, Graham engages in a sustained critique of Fuchs's natural theory, addressing both the strengths and weaknesses to be found there and suggest possible avenues of development that would make a positive contribution to the ongoing quest to rehabilitate the Roman Catholic natural law theory that continues to dominate the landscape of moral theology today.

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Moral Demands and Personal Obligations
Josef Fuchs, SJ
Georgetown University Press, 1993

In this collection of recent essays (1988-92), all but one previously unavailable in English, noted theologian Josef Fuchs, SJ, examines key issues in normative morality. Identifying two strains, one based on natural law and a more situational one based on the Golden Rule, he explores the need for plurality in both individual and societal ethics, and the problem of universal versus only general validity. Central ideas that Fuchs develops are the concept of innovative morality as the individual's responsible search for God's will in personal situations; and the significance of the conscience in the face of official statements by the church's magisterium. Among the topics he considers are marriage and sexuality; the beginning and end of life; and international solidarity and social justice.

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Personal Responsibility and Christian Morality
Josef Fuchs, SJ
Georgetown University Press, 1983

In this volume, Josef Fuchs has brought together 12 important essays which consider various aspects of the relationship between Christian morality and human behavior. Among the subjects he discusses are the connections between moral theology and Christian experience, the absolute character of moral norms, and the importance of ethical reflection in shaping the future of the human race.

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