The same enthusiastic reception was given to the English translation of The Law of Christ, Volume I, that greeted its appearance in other languages. Hailed as "the most important publication in moral theology in this century," this volume was praised as "a giant stride in the right direction" to the new approach to moral theology. For the purpose of The Law of Christ is not to supplant the seminary manuals, nor to act as a vade mecum for the busy priest seeking immediate answers to problems clamoring for solutions. It is rather to offer a unique and new look at moral theology, which seeks its inspiration in biblical, patristic, and liturgical sources, as well as in traditional writings and in the findings of modern science. The result is a milestone in the renewal of moral theology Volume I: “General Moral Theology," necessarily concerned with basic principles and background, stressed the picture of the Christian life as a positive and affirmative personal response to the call of Christ. The basic insight of Christian morality is that Jesus, in proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom of Christ, offered salvation with an urgent and ecstatic invitation. The only response is openness to His revelation, an inner conversion, an affirmative reply to a personal encounter with Christ, carried out by the imitation of Christ as a member of His body. Upon this the transformation of the world depends.
Here, in Volume II, "special Moral Theology,” this impressive picture of the Christian life is further developed and enlarged into the fruits of this conversion: a life in fellowship with God and a life in fellowship with man. The fellowship with God in faith, hope, and love is increased by worship and prayer; it does not place man in an exclusive, solitary personal encounter with God. The fundamental structure of the Christian life is the Commandment of Love, the basis of life in the community of the brethren. Rooted in the fellowship of faith, in the solidarity of hope, and in the love of one Father and one Lord in the unity of the Spirit, life in fellowship with man bases authentically all responsibility for mankind and the social order in the world on a response to the redemptive Word of God.