Content

This unit examines the theological foundations of Christian ethics from a Lutheran perspective. The unit also explores the application of moral theology to selected ethical issues. The various ethical issues that will be considered in the unit include abortion, euthanasia, sexuality, marriage, economics and politics, environmental issues, and war and violence.

Unit code: CT9011L

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Measure and evaluate the theological foundations of Christian ethics from a Lutheran perspective

2.

Formulate moral discourse from a Lutheran standpoint

3.

Justify an ethical position on the basis of Scripture and a Lutheran ethical model

4.

Propose an informed and nuanced argument about complex ethical problems

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 9 unit in postgraduate theology and ministry courses

Prerequisites: 24 points in the discipline of Systematic Theology (CT)

Pedagogy

A learner-centred approach incorporating strategies such as lectures, group discussion and debate, reporting on weekly set readings, visual representation of ideas by students, personal reflection and brainstorming.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Althaus, Paul. The ethics of Martin Luther. Translated by Robert C. Schultz. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1972.
  • Bayer, Oswald. Martin Luther’s theology: a contemporary interpretation. Translated by Thomas H. Trapp. Grand Rapids, MI: William Eerdmans, 2008.
  • Bloomquist, Karen L., and John R. Stumme, eds. The promise of Lutheran ethics. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 1998.
  • Childs, James M., Jr. Faithful conversation: Christian perspectives on homosexuality. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2003.
  • Peters, Ted. Sin boldly! Justifying faith for fragile and broken souls. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2015.
  • Press, Michael, ed. Introduction to Lutheran ethics. Sabah, Malaysia: The Lutheran Study Centre, 2014.
  • Rae, Scott B. Moral choices: an introduction to ethics. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009.
  • Thielicke, Helmut. Theological ethics. Vol 1, Foundations. Edited by William Lazareth. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress, 1966.
  • Tranvik, Mark. The freedom of a Christian. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2008.
  • Worthing, Mark. When choice matters: an introduction to Christian ethics. Millswood, SA: Pantaenus Press, 2004.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio

Series of reviews on the principles of Lutheran ethics

2000 24.0
Essay

Examination of an ethical issue (1)

3000 38.0
Essay

Examination of an ethical issue (2)

3000 38.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 5 Oct, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-05 11:41:53 +1100