Includes bibliographical references.

Pluralism, modernity, and care -- Estrangement of care from ethics -- Movement toward ethical neutrality -- Trends in Protestant and Catholic ethics -- Method in practical moral thinking -- Five levels of practical moral thinking -- Two case studies -- Diagnosis and decision -- Church as community of moral discourse.

"This introduction to ethical reflection traces the long developing alienation between psychology and religious ethics. It also offers a concrete model of practical moral thinking than can help to reverse that movement and restore pastoral care as the bridge between theological and the psychological disciplines. Students and practitioners in the psychological and social sciences can learn much here about their own implicit ethical concerns. Ministers and congregations will value theologically and psychodynamically integrated approach to care, counseling, and the maintenance of a meaningful world."--from back cover.