Benjamin Elbel
Encyclopedia
Benjamin Elbel was a German Franciscan
moral theologian.
He belonged to the Strasburg Franciscan province, was lector of theology, and held high positions in the order.
Elbel advocates probabilism
. He applies abstract principles to strikingly practical cases, and his approach proved influential.
Franciscan
Most Franciscans are members of Roman Catholic religious orders founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Besides Roman Catholic communities, there are also Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, ecumenical and Non-denominational Franciscan communities....
moral theologian.
He belonged to the Strasburg Franciscan province, was lector of theology, and held high positions in the order.
Works
His major work, "Theologia moralis decalogalis et sacramentalis" (Venice, 1731), passed rapidly through several editions. A new edition was prepared by Irenaeus Bierbaum, O.F.M., under the title "Theologia moralis per modum conferentiarum auctore clarissime P. Benjamin Elbel..." (3 vols., Paderborn, 1891–92).Elbel advocates probabilism
Probabilism
In theology and philosophy, probabilism refers to an ancient Greek doctrine of academic skepticism. It holds that in the absence of certainty, probability is the best criterion...
. He applies abstract principles to strikingly practical cases, and his approach proved influential.