Fritz Tillmann, Discipleship and the Renewal of Moral Theology

Abstract

The notion of discipleship has come to be considered an essential foundation and perspective in modern Catholic moral theology. Fritz Tillmann’s manual Die Idee der Nachfolge Christi was a landmark work in the early 20th century whose popularity led to a wide diffusion of the biblical concept of discipleship in Catholic moral theology. However, little mention is made of Tillmann in current academic writing. The article aims to explore the thought of Tillmann by outlining his understanding of Christian moral discipleship in conjunction with examples of key authors who influenced Tillmann, such as Hirscher and Linsenmann of the Tübingen School, as well as Neo-Scholastic authors who severely criticized his approach. The article concludes with a reflection on the current implications of discipleship in moral theology, calling for a greater recognition of the need for a transformative, loving relationship with Christ to fuel the desire to choose the good.