Bronze sculpture of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus, seated higher on a rock outcropping, gestures with his right hand as he addresses the twelve disciples seated in a circle below. A hilly landscape is visible in the background.
The statues of Jesus and Twelve Apostles in Domus Galilaeae on the Mount of Beatitudes near the Sea of Galilee in Galilee, Israel.
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Moral Theology & Christian Ethics

Moral theology and Christian ethics is a branch of theological inquiry that systematically explores the practical implications of God's revelation in Jesus Christ. It focuses on the kind of people we ought to be and the actions we should perform or avoid. This discipline draws on a wide range of sources, including scripture, tradition, human sciences — such as psychology, sociology, and economics — and human reason.

Who is Moral Theology & Christian Ethics for?

The study of moral theology is for those who seek to understand "the nobility of the Christian vocation of the faithful and their obligation to bring forth fruit in charity for the life of the world" (Vatican II, Decree on Priestly Formation, 16). It appeals to those who value an interdisciplinary approach, integrating scriptural teaching, human sciences, and ecumenical dialogue to gain a holistic understanding of Christian ethics.

A vibrant, collaborative community

At Notre Dame, the doctoral program in moral theology and Christian ethics fosters a collaborative and inclusive academic environment. While the program concentrates on the Roman Catholic tradition, it also engages with and remains open to a variety of traditions, encouraging students to learn from diverse perspectives. This approach is aligned with the belief that what the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of others "can contribute to our own edification" (Vatican II, Decree on Ecumenism, 4).

What will I study?

The doctoral program at Notre Dame covers a range of subdisciplines within moral theology and Christian ethics, including social, medical, and foundational ethics. It promotes interaction with philosophical ethics and requires coursework not only within the Department of Theology but also in other departments or programs across the University. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students are well-equipped to engage deeply with the complexities of ethical issues in today's world.

Upcoming Events

Faculty

  1. Joseph Capizzi

    Associate Professor

  2. Headshot of a man with glasses, a dark Van Dyke beard, wearing a brown tweed jacket and light blue collared shirt, in front of bookshelves.

    David Clairmont

    Associate Professor

  3. Headshot of a light-skinned man with short brown hair, receding hairline, and a blue collared shirt. He smiles warmly at the camera. A blurred stone wall forms the background.

    David Cloutier

    Professor

  4. A woman with short, graying brown hair smiles warmly against a light gray backdrop. She wears a black v-neck top with a vibrant paisley print in teal, coral, and white. A delicate silver cross necklace hangs around her neck.

    Mary Hirschfeld

    John T. Ryan Jr. Associate Professor of Theology and Business Ethics

  5. Headshot of a man with short, dark curly hair, smiling at the camera. He wears a light brown tweed jacket over a purple and white plaid button-down shirt. The backdrop is a plain light gray.

    David Lantigua

    Associate Professor

  6. Headshot of a man wearing a navy blue blazer, white collared shirt, and navy blue tie with small gold Notre Dame monograms. He has short, graying hair and a light beard. He offers a slight smile to the camera against a plain gray backdrop.

    William C. Mattison III

    Wilsey College Professor of Theology

    Department Chair

  7. A smiling man with dark skin wearing a clerical collar and dark suit stands in front of bookshelves.

    Paulinus Odozor, C.S.Sp.

    Professor

  8. Headshot of a woman with short gray hair, wearing glasses, a pink shirt, and a white crocheted shawl. She smiles warmly against a gray backdrop.

    Margaret Pfeil

    Teaching Professor

  9. Father Mark Poorman, with grey hair and blue eyes, smiles warmly, wearing a black clerical shirt with a white collar, a black suit jacket, and a Notre Dame seal pin.

    Mark L. Poorman, CSC

    Associate Professor

  10. Headshot of a woman with short gray hair, wearing rectangular glasses and a bright blue blazer over a black shirt. She offers a subtle smile towards the camera against a plain gray background.

    Maura Ryan

    Associate Professor

  11. Headshot of a man with light brown hair and glasses, wearing a navy blue blazer and blue and white striped collared shirt. He is smiling slightly and stands against a blurred background of green foliage and a brick building.

    Paul Scherz

    Our Lady of Guadalupe College Professor of Theology

  12. Headshot of a man with glasses and a white mustache, wearing a white collared shirt over a black undershirt, against a plain gray background.

    Todd Whitmore

    Associate Professor

Graduate Students

  1. Brett Beasley

    Assistant Teaching Professor, Sheedy Program

  2. Gabriella Elhallal

  3. A man with a dark beard and hair smiles, wearing a black shirt and cream suit jacket.

    Joryán Hernández

  4. A smiling priest with short blonde hair and light skin wears a black clerical shirt and white collar.

    Russell Ward

  5. Jackson Wolford