In working for the renewal of moral theology over a period of many years, Fr Haring's approach has been two-fold. He has stressed the wholeness of the human person and the Person of Christ as the basis of that wholeness in man. He has consistently called for a re-appraisal of man as a social, spiritual, emotional and physical being. For morality cannot be directed at an 'abstract being', as it often used to be, based on conformity with laws and external observances. This new book demonstrates the development of his thinking and research on this re-appraisal of man's moral religious life. It is to be a three volume work - reminiscent of his work The Law of Christ written 25 years ago. Like the earlier work, this new book begins from a sound Scriptural basis. A true moral theology must, he shows, be based on a full understanding of God's covenant of love with man and man's free and faithful response to God.
Fr Haring's presentation of moral Theology today may in fact be seen as hinging on man's responsibility bef6re God and his fellow men a responsibility which he sees as man's ability to respond. In exploring this Fr Haring takes full account of developments in behavioural sciences, technology and social trends. In this way he builds up a total and integrated view of man and his response in love to God and his neighbour. I wish Fr Haring every success with this book. We are already in his debt. This new work increases an indebtedness which I am confident many others will come to share.