Justice and Social Mission (DM9136B)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

The Missio Dei (mission of God) demonstrates compassion, justice and response to human need as central tenents for Christian life and practice. This unit will explore the theology and practice of social and community services as an expression of holistic Christian mission. Structural disadvantage and social issues will be examined, particularly as they relate to the delivery of contemporary social services in an Australian context.

Unit code: DM9136B

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Missiology

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the biblical and theological convictions which underlie Christian engagement in social and community mission.

2.

Appraise key developments in the provision of social service, both within the church and within civil society.

3.

Apply a holistic (integral) mission response to the needs of the poor and marginalised and demonstrate its application in Salvation Army context.

4.

Examine key components of contemporary social issues and identify constructive ways the Christian church can form part of the response to these issues.

5.

Demonstrate an ability to apply Jesus' teaching concerning justice and compassion through mobilising the local church.

Unit sequence

24 points post-graduate foundational in Field D, or equivalent

Pedagogy

In an asynchronous environment students will engage carefully designed learning materials which may include readings, audio and video materials, a variety of learning activities, response to questions, refection upon practice. They will also attend structured synchronous online engagement sessions which will promote peer to peer engagement and learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Cameron, Helen. Just Mission: Practical Politics for Local Churches. Norwich: SCM Press, 2015.
  • Das, Rupen. Compassion and the Mission of God: Revealing the Invisible Kingdom. Leicester: Langham Global Library, 2016.
  • Davidson, Peter, Bruce Bradbury, Melissa Wong & Trish Hill. Inequality in Australia, Part 1: Overview. Sydney: Australian Council of Social Service and UNSW, 2020.
  • Davies-Kildea, Jason. “The Salvation Army and the Social Gospel: reconciling evangelical intent and social concern.” Doctor of Philosophy Thesis, Monash University, 2017.
  • Hill, Harold. Saved to Save and Saved to Serve: Perspectives on Salvation Army History. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2017.
  • Janssen, David, and Mal Davies, eds. "Soul Salvation, Whole Salvation: Towards a theology of social justice." Thought Matters Vol 1, Melbourne: The Salvation Army, 2011.
  • Kenny, Susan, Developing communities for the future: community development in Australia. 5th Edition. Melbourne: Nelson Thomson Learning, 2016
  • Lensun, Lerisca, and Carolyn Russell. Making Ends Meet. The Salvation Army, Melbourne: 2021
  • Moore, Natasha, John Dickson, Simon Smart, and Justine Toh. For the Love of God: How the Church is Better and Worse Than You Ever Imagined, Sydney: Centre for Public Christianity, 2019.
  • Waldron, John D, ed. Creed and Deed. Canada: The Salvation Army, 1986.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Critical Review 2000 25.0
Learning Resource 2000 35.0
Article (for Newspaper, e.g. letter to the editor) 3000 40.0

Variant 2

Critical Review 2000 30.0
Learning Resource 2000 30.0
Case Study 3000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 16 Aug, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-08-16 09:37:06 +1000