Moral Theology (CT9011L)

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.

Learning outcomes

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