Moral Theology (CT3011L)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

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: CT3011L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Evaluate the theological foundations of Christian ethics from a Lutheran perspective

2.

Examine and critique moral discourse from a Lutheran standpoint
3.

Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the nature and complexity of ethical problems in today’s world
4.

Critically apply biblical and theological insights to contemporary ethical issues

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 3 unit in undergraduate theology and ministry courses

Prerequisites: 18 points in the discipline of Systematic Theology (CT)

Pedagogy

This unit is underpinned by teaching practices and strategies (e.g lectures, group discussion and debate, reporting on weekly set readings, visual representation of ideas by students, personal reflection and brainstorming) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

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 40.0
Essay

Examination of an ethical issue

 3000 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 23 Sep, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:50 +1000