The Theology and Ministry Program of the School of Humanities invites you to the online oral defense of the M.A. Thesis entitled “POPE JOHN PAUL II’S MORAL METHODOLOGY: Contributions and Limitations in Contemporary Catholic Moral Theology” by HARELD B. OLITA, C.R.L. on 10 March 2026, Tuesday, 3:00-4:30 p.m. (MANILA). The Board of Examiners is composed of Fr. Eric Marcelo Genilo, S.J., S.T.D. (Adviser), Fr. Abundio Babor Jr., M.S.C., S.T.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner), Fr. Peter Pojol, S.J., S.T.D., and Anatoly Angelo Aseneta, Ph.D. The defense is being held in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Theological Studies with a field of specialization in Moral Theology. It is open to the public.
Abstract: This study argues that Pope John Paul II’s moral methodology, as articulated in Veritatis Splendor and Evangelium Vitae, represents a significant contribution to contemporary Catholic moral theology while also raising important methodological tensions. In theological responses to these encyclicals, four principal concerns have emerged: the Pope’s use of language in addressing key moral concepts; his understanding of morality, particularly in structuring moral norms and disciplines; his interpretation of Scripture in grounding moral argument; and his engagement with culture in framing ethical questions, most notably through the contrast between a “culture of life” and a “culture of death.” By reading these encyclicals in dialogue with contemporary moral theologians, the study assesses the coherence and implications of Pope John Paul II’s moral framework and proposes a more pastorally attentive approach to the communication and application of Evangelium Vitae. In doing so, it contributes to ongoing theological reflection on how the Church can uphold moral truth while engaging complex cultural and pastoral realities in today’s pluralistic world.
