New Life in Christ (CT9045L)

Content

This unit is in two parts. The first part of the unit reflects on the doctrinal content of the third article of the Creed. Particular attention is given to characteristically Lutheran emphases in pneumatology, the sanctified life, sacramental theology, and ecclesiology. The second part of the unit examines the theological foundations of Christian ethics from a Lutheran perspective and reflects on how the sanctified life is expressed in our moral decision making. A number of ethical issues are considered including: abortion, euthanasia, sexuality, marriage, economic and politics, environmental issues, and war and violence.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

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

Pedagogy

This unit uses teaching strategies (eg engagement with online learning materials, including audio/video, tasks, forums, and synchronous and asynchronous discussion with lecturer) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

• Bayer, Oswald. Freedom in response: Lutheran ethics: sources and controversies. Translated by Jeff Cayzer. Oxford, UK. Oxford University Press, 2007.
• Biermann, Joel D. A case for character: towards a Lutheran virtue ethics. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2014.
• Hordern, William. Experience and faith: the significance of Luther for understanding today’s experiential religion. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2002.
• Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti. Pneumatology: the Holy Spirit in ecumenical, international, and contextual perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002.
• Nafzger, Samuel, et al, eds. Confessing the gospel: a Lutheran approach to systematic theology. 2 vols. Saint Louis, MO: Concordia, 2017.
• Peters, Ted. God—the world’s future: systematic theology for a new era. 3rd ed. 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.
• Thiselton, Anthony C. The Holy Spirit: in biblical teaching, through the centuries, and today. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2013.
• Wilson, Sarah Hinlicky. A guide to Pentecostal movements for Lutherans. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2016.
• Worthing, Mark. When choice matters: an introduction to Christian ethics. Millswood, SA: Pantaenus Press, 2004.

Assessment