This is a book rooted in decades of dialogue. It is also the second book to come from that process. The dialogue that gives rise to this book began in the Twin Cities area in the late 1980’s as Catholics and Evangelical Christians were consistently engaged in public discussion of vital moral issues facing that community. Arising from this engagement, informal meetings of Catholic and Evangelical leaders began in the mid-1990’s. USCCB undertook formal sponsorship in 2004. Preliminary discussions of doctrinal matters took a decade. A four-year discussion of justification followed. A subsequent four-year cycle of discussion of moral issues followed and resulted in this book at its predecessor, Justified in Jesus Christ. While both books gather the fruits of those dialogues in the form of background papers that informed discussion and common statements that grew out of it, perhaps the greatest achievement of the enterprise is reflected in the observation that opens both that, “Christian dialogue, especially ecumenical dialogue, is a testament to friendship.” While there is much here, there is nothing greater than the concrete testament this book offers to the value and fruits of ecumenical dialogue on prominent issues. In an era when dialogue between Catholics and Evangelicals is too often presented as, if not collapsed into, political allegiances of convenience against common ideological opponents, the product of sustained, honest, and deep dialogue is itself comforting.

The book proceeds in the form of a dialogue. Catholic and Evangelical background papers are alternated. Each section begins with the common statement that resulted, however. The book is itself a witness to the process and fruit of ecumenical dialogue. Again, no minor value in that witness to transcendent articles of faith and the concrete human processes that help to identify them.

The book contains four sections. First is a discussion of norms governing moral life. Both traditions provide explication of where foundational guidance on moral issues may be found. Shared foundations such as scripture are highlighted. Different routes to similar destinations such as natural law and tradition are not shied away from, however. A reader leaves this section with a solid understanding of how both traditions inform their teaching on moral issues.

A second section considers sexual ethics. In contrast to often overheated rhetoric on these topics in political debate, this section provides clarity of teaching and necessary grounding in the fundamental dignity of all humans as creations in God’s own image. Important acknowledgement is made that all humans feel “sexual desires that are not conformed to God’s plan.” As such, the section offers more a call to greater holiness for all rather than a condemnation of some.

The third section considers social ethics. Again, the inherent dignity of all humans is a central and shared value that animates the dialogue. So too the call to be engaged in social and political debate, “bringing to bear Christian principles where appropriate and possible.” The common statements issue an admonition, too often forgotten in the rough and tumble of human political activity that, “Evangelicals and Catholics agree that our final hope is not to be placed in the governments of this world.” Many who purport to represent Catholics and Evangelicals in partisan political activity, and the many seduced by their false prophesy, would do well to be reminded of this.

Lastly, the book turns to a consideration of moral life and eschatology. This section provides a powerful reminder that life on earth is only a prelude to life eternal, but that actions in life have consequences for the afterlife. The moral choices and actions undertaken on earth are central to establishing a permanent unity or separation from God. This admonition too is a powerful reminder for all in the hectic events of modern life.