Valuable new coverage of polarization, racism, and sexuality updates this classic introduction to the moral life. Wadell's text offers an engaging, substantive, and remarkably comprehensive introduction to the Christian ethics through the welcome lens of our creation for happiness.

Kristin E. Heyer, Joseph Chair in Theology, Boston College

As many who have taught Christian Ethics with this book will attest, it is accessible to students from a range of ecclesial traditions, as well as to those with no religious background at all. But it is more than that. Happiness and the Christian Moral Life draws readers in with a compelling invitation: to discover that at the heart of the good life is love and belonging, and that one’s vocation—no matter one’s occupation—is to embody the fullness of that life in just relationships with all of creation. The updates to this new edition and the inclusion of a section on sexuality by Bridget Burke Ravizza strengthen this wise, engaging text even more.

Debra Dean Murphy, chair of the department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, West Virginia Wesleyan College

This definitive edition of Paul Wadell’s Happiness and the Christian Moral life coalesced through the magnanimity and hospitality of its author to the many interlocutors who have loved, used, and discussed its previous editions. Along with improvements to the overall structure of the already impressive third edition, Wadell incorporates thoughtful treatments of recent papal encyclicals to further inform his insightful explanations. Emergent moral concerns facing undergraduates—climate change, racism, hookup culture, and pornography—also receive attention in this latest edition, which now fittingly begins with the Beatitudes and ends with caritas. This is a masterful introduction to Christian ethics.

Carter Aikin, grants director, Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education

That this is the fourth edition of Happiness and the Christian Moral Life reflects how happy instructors, including myself, and students are with this engaging introductory text. Paul J. Wadell, now emeritus professor but ever a gifted teacher, continues to listen and to learn, as reflected in this improved edition that bridges past insights with present concerns, integrates foundational elements with major issues, and incorporates contributions from both traditional and marginalized voices. I am happier than ever to see this new edition.

Tobias Winright, professor of Moral Theology, St. Patrick's Pontifical University, Maynooth, Ireland

For over two decades, my students have been captivated by Wadell’s intriguing stories, and drawn deeply into a clearer understanding of moral theology by his clear and compelling presentations. This latest edition, significantly updated, is a testimony to Wadell’s understanding of the moral life as an ongoing quest, that earnest desire, for happiness.

Patrick Flanagan, chair of the department of Theology and Religious Studies, St. John's University

While this fourth edition of Wadell’s provocative, useful, and eminently readable text, Happiness and the Christian Moral Life, is certainly a fine introduction to Christian ethics, a case can also be made for its value as an especially rich and profoundly relevant work of theological anthropology. Perhaps the strongest evidence of this is the author’s inclusion of a compelling new chapter devoted to the importance of understanding love as humanity’s sole raison d’etre.

Scott D. Geis, professor of Religious Studies, Christian Brothers University