Interpreting Material Cooperation as a Function of Moral Development to Guide Ministry Formation (original) (raw)

While not exactly back room political bargaining, the traditional use of cooperation has been by moral theologians attempting to define the level of cooperation for a particular situation. This chosen definition, in turn, may help focus the range of appropriate actions in response to the situation's circumstances. In this customary usage, an organization's associates (employees) may assist the implementation of relevant responses to a cooperation analysis, whether the issue is clinical or organizational in nature. They have not been integral to the decision-making process-until now. Cooperation has been the proverbial candle under the bushel (Matthew 5:15). This paper proposes the involvement of organizations' associates not only for decisionmaking and discernment, but for their own moral development. The foundation of this thesis is not only that organizations are moral agents, but also that organizations are v reflective of the moral development of their associates when they exercise their agency. Using this model, this theory advances a use of the principle of cooperation by interpreting cooperation as a function of moral development for advancing associates. Advancement, in this case, means that, optimally, the process will expose participants to individuals in various stages of moral development, challenge them in appropriate ways, and enhance their moral development as characterized by Lawrence Kohlberg and Carol Gilligan. Even if participants do not advance in their moral development, the model proposed here will form participants in moral decision-making within the Catholic moral tradition. To a lesser degree, it is also a useful ministry discernment tool if appointed to discriminate responses to some of the individual and organizational issues (topics) mentioned above. vi DEDICATION I dedicate this work to my family, and I recognize their contributions here. My achievements and success is a reflection of my advocates and support persons. They, especially, have accompanied me on this journey, donating their time and efforts. In particular, I would like to remember those who are not with us any more, starting with my grandparents. My paternal grandfather, Ransom Squires, paternal grandmother, Laura May Squires, and maternal grandmother, Shirley Sincius died during the process of developing and writing this dissertation. They all wished to see me done, and I believe, are celebrating in their eternal lives. The same holds true for my maternal grandfather, Joseph A. Sincius, Ph.D. in Chemistry, who died in 1994. When I was a child, he always imparted his observations, which were full of realism and humor, of the Roman Catholic Church as well as his key to success in education and life-know everything.‖ My mother, Katherine Frances (Squires) Gallaher, was always proud and encouraged my educational endeavors before her death in 2001. Other family members support me, even knowing the sacrifices involved. I would like to recognize my Aunt Phyllis, Uncle Tony, and cousin Cheryl and their families for understanding forgotten cards and phone calls. To my father and stepmother , Ronald and Sally Squires, and brothers, Matthew Squires and Jonathan Squires, and their families, who have been patient when I could not participate in family events. Most of all, tribute goes to my wife, Laura Guirl Squires, and son, Peyton Joseph Squires, who sacrificed just as much, if not more, than I to see this dream become a reality. All of my family members work to make better lives for the family, its next generation, and others. vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT It would be remiss not to acknowledge my educators, mentors, and advocates throughout the years. This list is long so most of it is in reverse chronological order. This is a long dissertation. I appreciate the time and investment of the three Duquesne University faculty members involved with this project. In particular, thank you to my dissertation readers Dr. Aaron Mackler and Dr. Henk ten Have. My most profound thanks go to my dissertation committee chair and director as well as my mentor, Dr. Gerry Magill. His mentorship began seven years before this dissertation at a different university and will continue in years to come. I consider myself blessed to have such fine scholars associated with this endeavor. Thanks to my kitchen cabinet who helped me brainstorm the idea for this dissertation. Dr. Michael Panicola had a profound impact on this dissertation in his class when he suggested that different theologians approach Catholic teaching and principles dissimilarly. Dr.