Sexual ethics with reference to the work of Sebastian moore OSB and Timothy Radcliffe OP: A critical analysis

Abstract

Changes in the Catholic Church emerge slowly, gradually becoming apparent in the writings of key theologians, each stage incrementally developing through a process of metamorphosis from ancient to modern. In sexual ethics, where the Church has stood firm against the tide of comparatively sudden changes in the social status quo, noted apologists Timothy Radcliffe OP and Sebastian Moore OSB have taken up the challenge of redefining a sexual ethic for the Church of the 21st Century. Their work shows the influence of their theological predecessors while also inviting new discussion of what it means to be a sexual being. The purpose here is to examine the work of Radcliffe and Moore and situate their thought in this complicated and fluid dialogue. © 2011 The Author.