Franciscan Studies

106 FRANCISCAN STUDIES The Morality of Imperfections (Thomistic Studies, No. I). By James C. Osbourn, O. P. (Washington, D. C.: Pontifical Faculty of Theology, Do­ minican House of Studies, 1943. Pp. xiii+247. $2.75.) This work is the first of a projected series of theological studies which have for their purpose "a revitalization of the spirit and precious heritage of Catholic theology as faithfully transmitted by St. Thomas Aquinas from the Fathers of the Church to his successors.” In the common opinion of modern moral theologians that there are positive moral imperfections — actions which are imperfect but not sinful — the author sees a departure from the spirit of Catholic theology as handed down by St. Thomas. It is his purpose, therefore, to vindicate the true Thomistic doctrine. There are two phases in the analysis: the historical, which shows how the affirmative viewpoint arose; and the doctrinal, which presents the position of St. Thomas. Father Osbourn cites the writers who proposed this distinction between sin and moral imperfection and handed it down to the authors of the present day. The defenders of the negative viewpoint admit no differ­ ence between sin and deliberate moral imperfection. In favor of the negative position are the prominent Masters of the spiritual life. In the doctrinal part, the author shows how Cajetan, by extending the term precept to slight transgressions, occasioned the misinterpretations of St. Thomas by later authors. For the Angelic Doctor, precepts impose a grave obligation with reference to some good necessary for salvation; and the counsels, which envisage the better good, manifest the will of God in reference to useful goods by which the end may be attained more perfectly. Although counsels do not bind gravely, they are not entirely devoid of binding force. In the concrete order of actual choice to be made between alternate goods, the principle of finality demands that the intellect and will, acting conjointly as practical reason, act prudently for the end. When various alternatives are presented, the will always chooses the really or apparently better good. If it selects a lesser good, it is out of conformity with the law of finality, and to that extent lacks moral goodness. Such an imperfection, St. Thomas teaches, is sinful. From the analysis, therefore, of the proper mode of human volition, it follows that the better good which is more conducive to the ultimate end cannot be rejected without imprudence and without stain of guilt. The sanre conclusion flows from an investigation of St. Thomas’ doctrine regarding Christian perfection. Under the precept of love, the summit and perfection of charity is universally commanded as a goal toward which we must tend by positive efforts of actual striving. St. Thomas teaches we are obliged to do as much good as we possibly can. Since the positive moral imperfection wilfully declines opportunities of advancement in charity, it deliberately rejects the better good. Such a retardation in charity St. Thomas distinctly labels venial sin. Throughout his learned study, Father Osbourn manifests a thorough acquaintance with his subject matter. The historical sections are well docu­ mented; the doctrinal section abounds in references. In presenting the posi­ tion of his Preceptor, the author is at his best. The explanation of the act BOOK REVIEWS 107 of choice is especially well done. By championing a viewpoint not commonly held, the author is casting down the gauntlet. Though few may be ready to do battle, all who read The Morality of Imperfections will be stimulated both to theoretical and practical reflections. The new Thomistic series has made an excellent beginning. B asil H eiser , O. F. M. Co n v Our Lady of Carey Seminary, Carey, Ohio. Thomistic Principles in a Catholic School. By Theodore Brauer and others. (St. Louis, Mo.: Herder Book Co., 1943. Pp. x+321. $2.50.) Several professors of the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul have con­ tributed to this book. They intend "to demonstrate, out of their specific academic spheres, that their teaching can be attached to the one and selfsame doctrine of St. Thomas.” Fully aware of the confusion and chaos in educa­ tion, and tired of shallow discussions on educational matters which are usually either without...