Relation and Relativity

Studies on Moral Issues si <1 je * ''V gar -In a culture of'canned happiness' of market-value and easy availability a culture that gives only scanty importance to the moral realm of the 'ought' we find a daring thinker of the 'ought', Dr. Felix Podimattam, OFMCap, who has been disturbing the comfortable, and comforting the disturbed with his numerous writings. The present book. Relation and Relativity, is inspired by and dedicated to this thinker of the 'ought'. The ought- dimension, with which morality is primarily concerned, manifests itself concretely in humans' multi-directional relation: to the Divine, to others," to the Nature, and to oneself. The dignity of humans consists in living this relation as best as possible. If relation is the 'what' of morality, relativity is the 'how' of il a 'how' that avoids the twin extremes of relativism and absolutism. Dr. Podimattam's daring and triumphant march through the moral Held of relation, armed with relativity, has inspired many a moral thinker to Bjoin in this march. The various studies in this Festschrift are expressions of a concerted effort to keep on this moral journey of search and research TABLE OF CONTENTS 'Message from General Minister Mauro Johri, ofmcap 'Foreword' from Provincial Minister Thomas Jacob Thekkumkattil, ofmcap 'Introduction' from the Editor Johnson Puthenpurackal, ofmcap Part-1 Relation and Relativity: The Theme Tears That See... Do You Believe? Nishant A. Irudayadason Re-Visiting Natural Law in Moral Theology George Therukattil, mcbs Relational Character of Christian Morality Anil Sequeira, ofincap Love, Charity and Justice: Towards a Unified Understanding Thomas Srampickal Human-Cosmos Relationship: A Critical Conversation Sahayadas Fernando, 6 I Relation and Relativity: Studies on Moral Issues Moral Responsibility for Unintended and Unforeseen Consequences Hormis Mynatty Option for Celibacy in Ministerial Priesthood Sebastian Chundakattil, ofmcap Communication and Media Ethics Sebastian Periannan Religious Life: A Tri-Dimensional Relationship Charles Furtado, ofmcap Part-II Felix Podimattam: The Person Felix Podimattam: A Biographical Sketch of the Person Sixtus Thundathil, ofmcap What Has Life Taught Me? A Reflective Look-back Felix Podimattam, ofmcap From Absolutism to Relativity: Leitmotifs in Podimattam's Moral Theology Joseph Mathew, ofmcap Spirituality in the Writings of Felix Podimattam Liguory Noronha, ofmcap Writings of Felix Podimattam Contributors