Lexington Books St. Paul, the Natural Law, and Contemporary Legal Theory

The editors of this unique collection of essays exploring the relationship of St. Paul and the natural law bring together contributions by scripture scholars, theologians, philosophers, and international lawyers. Inspired by the special Jubilee Year from June 2008 to June 2009 - proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate the 2,000-year anniversary of the birth of St. Paul - the chapters in this book are the fruit of the contributors' collaboration during the celebration of the Year of St. Paul. They share a common appreciation of the natural law as a basis for civil law and contemporary legal theory, and each chapter examines the foundations of the natural law - particularly in the writings of St. Paul - giving special recognition to the Catholic contributions to natural law and contemporary legal theory. Review This book possesses the best qualities of St. Paul. Both are fiercely devoted to the rewarding work of seeking to understand the world today in light of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Both have the courage to meet the currently thorniest questions with sophisticated intellectual arguments that also 'ring true.'--Helen Alvaré, George Mason University School of Law This volume is a treasure trove. It brings together precisely the right conversations partners to illumine the foundations of any just civic order - including our own. Those foundations are the natural moral law and a robustly religious culture which informs public life. The editors have brought together theologians and philosophers who mine Scripture and the Catholic tradition, with legal scholars trained not only in the civil law, but in international and canon law as well as in legal philosophy and history. The result is an ensemble of first-rate essays, culminating in a masterly paper by Rev. John McDermott, formerly a member of the International Theological Commission. And the foreword by Father John Coughlin, one of the world's leading Canon lawyers, is superb.--Gerard Bradley, University of Notre Dame About the Author Jane Adolphe, LL.B/B.C.L, J.C.D. is Associate Professor of Law, Ave Maria School of Law, Naples, Florida.   Robert Fastiggi, Ph.D. is Professor of Systematic Theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, MI.   Michael Vacca, J.D., is a graduate of Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI and Ave Maria School of Law, Naples, Florida.