This volume is the first of an ongoing series, with subsequent volumes to appear annually. The purpose of the series is to identify and make available in more usable form influential studies in the field of moral theology. We foresee that some volumes will gather around a theme or trend; at other times we will simply bring together what we believe to be important studies whether or not they cluster around a theme. Since moral theology" and "Christian ethics" are not denominational terms and properties it is our intention that the selective process will be as ecumenical as is the discipline in contemporary academic circles."