Abstract
In this article the author argues that moral theologians must seek to overcome the separation between moral and ascetical theology. Such a distinction entered practical theology comparatively recently. The first part of the article consists chiefly of a historical survey, beginning with the writings of the twelfth century, pointing to the close connection between evangelical and spiritual activity that found in conscience the voice of God. By emphasising a scripture based, holistic, self-directed, embodied and relational practical theology, ascetical theology offers moral theology a way of exploring a broadened and positive agenda for examining the ethical life. The second part of this work, “An Agenda for the Future” will appear in the February 2000 issue of Pacifica
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.