Benjamin Elbel

Benjamin Elbel (16 March 1690 – 4 June 1756) was a German Franciscan moral theologian.

Elbel was born at Friedberg, Bavaria. He belonged to the Strasburg Franciscan province, was lector of theology, and held high positions in the order. He died at Söflingen.

Works

His major work, "Theologia moralis decalogalis et sacramentalis" (Venice, 1731), passed rapidly through several editions. A new edition was prepared by Irenaeus Bierbaum, under the title "Theologia moralis per modum conferentiarum auctore clarissime P. Benjamin Elbel..." (3 vols., Paderborn, 1891–92).

Elbel advocated probabilism. He applied abstract principles to strikingly practical cases, and his approach proved influential.

From the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia

Benjamin Elbel, a first-class authority in moral theology, b. at Friedberg, Bavaria, in 1690; d. at Soflingen in 1756. He belonged to the Strasburg Franciscan province, was lector of theology, and held high positions in the order. His classical work, "Theologia moralis decalogalis et sacramentalis" (Venice, 1731), passed rapidly through several editions, and has recently been brought up to date 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. His doctrine is sound and solid; his style simple and unassuming. He shows admirable facility in giving exact and lucid expression to abstract principles, and in applying them to strikingly practical cases. The eminent qualities of his work have elicited praise from all theologians. It is constantly referred to by St. Alphonsus, and has been largely copied by modern writers.

Thomas Plassmann.

Bibliography

Attribution

• • Hurter, Nomenclator lit., IV (3rd ed.), 1635;
  • Eubel, Geschichte der oberdeutschen Minoritenprovinz (Wurzburg, 1886);
  • Preface to Bierbaum's edition (mentioned above)