Content

This unit explores community, love and justice as key themes of Christian theology, ethics, Christian anthropology. It explores the sources of moral knowledge and consideration of the role of human experience, scripture, narrative, and worship as shaping Christian ethics. Themes explored include an introduction to moral conscience, virtue, character and discipleship The unit offers an opportunity to integrate basic Christian theological, biblical and historical perspectives and to enter into critical discussion with ethical issues that face contemporary society.

Unit code: CT9109T

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Distinguish between the roles of human experience, Scripture, narrative, emotions, and worship, within contemporary Christian ethics

2.

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the principal theories of Christian ethics

3.

Apply Christian ethical methods to contemporary case studies

4.

Appraise the strengths and weaknesses of each theory of ethics

5.

Critically assess approaches to contemporary ethics in the light of present issues

Unit sequence

CT1000T Creeds (or equivalent) and one other level 2 CT or BS

Pedagogy

Web material, tutorial discussions

Indicative Bibliography

  • Biggar, N. The Hastening that Waits: Karl Barth's Ethics. Rev. ed. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1995.
  • Black, R. Christian Moral Realism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
  • Finnis, J. Natural Law and Natural Rights. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1980.
  • Hauerwas, S. The Peaceable Kingdom: A Primer in Christian Ethics. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1983.
  • Hauerwas, S. A Community of Character: Toward a Constructive Christian Social Ethic. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1981.
  • Hays, R.B. The Moral Vision of the New Testament—Community, Cross, New Creation: A Contemporary Introduction to New Testament Ethics. Harper: SanFrancisco, 1996. (recommended for purchase)
  • Holmgren, S. Ethics after Easter. Cambridge MA: Cowley, 2000
  • Hoose, B., ed. Christian Ethics: An Introduction. London: Cassell, 1998.
  • Keenan, J.F. Virtues for Ordinary Christians. Kansas: Sheed & Ward, 1996.
  • Parsons, S.F. Feminism and Christian Ethics. Cambridge: CUP, 1996.
  • Porter, J. The Recovery of Virtue. London: SPCK, 1994.
  • Spohn, W. What are they Saying about Scripture and Ethics? New York: Paulist Press, 1995.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

essay of 2,000 words

0 30.0
Essay

essay of 3,000 words

0 50.0
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

Tutorial reflection, equivalent of 1,000 words

0 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 8 Oct, 2019

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