Description

Let us know the Author Dr. Felix Podimattam OFM Cap.
Dr. Felix Podimattam is one of the best known Indian authors in the field of ethics and morality. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Mysore, a Licentiate degree in theology from Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome and a Doctoral degree in Moral Theology from the Alphonsian Academy, Rome. His doctoral thesis ‘The Relativity of Natural Law’ is acclaimed as exceptionally excellent. The thesis was guided by the eminent Moral Theologian, Bernard Haering, who influenced the renewal of Moral teachings of the Church during and after the Vatican II. Dr. Podimattam is resident professor at St. Francis Theological College, Kottayam and has been the founding member and first president of the Indian Moral Theologians Association. Most of his books, numbering over 120, are published by Media House, Delhi. Having gone through most of his books, let me highlight the most significant characteristics of his writings. First of all, he engages in a creative dialogue with other authors on every topic of discussion. Second, he tries to compare and integrate, as far as possible, the visions and views of other religions. Third, he holds a very positive attitude to life in general, especially to human body, sexuality, etc. Fourth, he is a keen observer of the socio-political and religious happenings in the society and responds to them immediately. His book on ‘Fast unto death’ during the upheaval of fisher people’s struggle in the eighties and his book on ‘Da Vinci Code’ a few years ago, where he gives a theological response to journalism with half-truths, are worth mentioning here. Fifth, he has taken keen interest on equal rights and dignity to women in the Church as well as in the society. In the context of widespread discrimination against women in the Church and society he published a six-volume work titled: ‘In praise of the woman’. Sixth, he holds on to the sacredness of life in all its forms and he has published books on topics like abortion, euthanasia, etc. Seventh, we find in his writings a harmonious blending of the traditional wisdom with its emphasis on fundamental Christian values as well as the findings of modern sciences like psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc, as well as the latest fruits of biblical exegesis.
The latest contribution of Dr. Podimattam, which may be acclaimed

The Making of a Masterpiece
The latest contribution of Dr. Podimattam, which may be acclaimed as his masterpiece, is: The Ten Commandments in the Law of Christ, a 20 volume work on the Decalogue. His vast knowledge on the subject gained through painstaking research, his teaching experience in various theological institutes stretching out over four decades and frank discussions with eminent thinkers have gone into this work. These books provide us with a re-interpretation of the commandments keeping in mind the genuine concerns of the people of God and at the same time remaining absolutely loyal to the teaching of Christ – “Christ did not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfil them”.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
PART ONE
TOWARD AN ECOLOGICAL THEOLOGY
1.GOD’S APPRECIATION OF THE PHYSICAL WORLD 1 5
2. GOODNESS OF CREATION ACCORDING TO PATRISTIC AND MEDIEVAL THEOLOGIANS
3. UNIVERSAL SACRAMENTALITY
4.THE WORLD AS GRACED
5. NATURAL WORLD AS THE PRIMARY REVELATION OF THE DIVINE
6. NATURE IN THE BIBLE
7. COVENANT AND CREATION
8. CREATION AS PART OF REDEMPTION
9. COSMIC DIMENSION OF REDEMPTION
10. REDEMPTION OF THE UNIVERSE
11. EVOLUTION AND REVELATION
12. PANENTHEISM
13. ALIVENESS OF MATTER
14. INTIMATE COMMUNION OF EVERYTHING
15. ECOLOGY AND THE MAGISTERIUM
16. ECOLOGY AND ST. FRANCIS
17. ECOLOGY AND EASTERN RELIGIONS
PART TWO
TOWARD AN ECOLOGICAL ETHICS
18. CRITIQUE OF RIGID ANTHROPOCENTRISM
19. CRITIQUE OF RIGID ECOCENTRISM
20. DEFENSE OF MODERATE
ANTHROPOCENTRISM
20.1. For a Balanced Approach ro the Utilization of Nature
20.2. Exploiting Nature is Contrary to the Natural Law
20.3. Respect for the Entire Creation
20. 4. Sacredness of Life as Protonorm
20.5. The Principle of Common Good
20. 6. Some Additional Ecological Principles
20. 7. “Shalom” as Our Best Hope
21. ANIMAL ECOLOGICAL ETHICS
21. 1. Animals Deserve Respect
21.1.1. Animals Have Intrinsic Value
21. 1.2. Animals are Kindred Creatures Loved by God
21.1.3. Animals are Spiritual Guides
21.1.4. Animals are Companions and Friends ol Humans
21.1.5. Animals are Fellow-Worshippers
21.1.6. Meaning of Human Dominion over Animals
21.1.7. The Teaching of the Magisterium
2. Animals Possess Analogous Rights
21.3. Man Can Use Animals for His Needs
21.3.1. Support from the Bible
21.3.2. Support from the Magisterium
21.3.3. Support from the Fathers
21.3.4. Support from Theological Reasons
21.3.4.1. Grades of value among creatures
21.3.4.2. Even human beings do not have absolute right to life
21.3.4.3. Animal killing and human killing are incomparable
21.3.4.4. My personal experience
21.3.4.5. The hypocrisy of the critics
21.4. Animal Experimentation
21.5. Legal Aspects of Animal Ecology
22. PASTORAL ASPECTS OF ECOLOGY
22.1. Cultivate a New Reverence for Life
22.2. Encourage the “Animal Liberation” Movement
22.3. Deal with Technological Attitudes and Values
22. 4. Avoid Products that have been Cruelly Tested on Animals
22.5. Loose not Hope
23. SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF ECOLOGY
23.1. Finding God in All Things
23.2. Christian Spirituality ad the New Cosmologies
23.3. Everything around Leads Us to the Fount of Life Itself
23.4. Nature is a Silent, Incomplete Book of God.
23.5. Incarnationalism versus Transcendence
23.6. Nature Mysticism
24. ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF SPACE EXPLORATION
25.ECO-FEMINIS M. CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAHy