Content

This unit will assess major theories of ethical action and ethical character in contemporary Christian contexts. Students will consider theories of Christian character, what it is to think and reason ethically, and how theories of Christian ethics are applied in current Christian ethical discourse. Selected controverted issues will be examined in the light of ethical theories studied.

Unit code: DP9194B

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically assess major theories of ethical action and Christian character.

2.

Evaluate the “Wesleyan quadrilateral” as a methodology for Christian ethics.

3.

Demonstrate an understanding of the debates around major themes in contemporary Christian ethics.

4.

Critically apply ethical theories and method to argue positions on contemporary ethical issues.

5.

Develop a research paper that demonstrates an understanding of and a sustained capacity to engage with major ethical theories within the context of Christian ethics.

Pedagogy

Lecturers, seminars, workshops.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Boulton, Wayne G., Thomas D. Kennedy, and Allen Verhey. eds. From Christ to the World: Introductory Readings in Christian Ethics. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994.
  • Campbell, Ted A., W. Stephen Gunter, Scott J. Jones, Randy Maddox, and Rebekah l. Miles. Wesley and the Quadrilateral: Renewing the Conversation. Nashville: Abingdon, 1997.
  • Clifton, Shaw. Strong Doctrine, Strong Mercy: A Salvationist looks at some major moral questions of the late 20th century. London: The Salvation Army, 1985.
  • Frankena, William K. Ethics. Foundations of Philosophy series, 2nd Edition. Englewood Cliffs,NJ: Pearson, 1988.
  • Grenz, Stanley J. The Moral Quest: Foundations of Christian Ethics. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2000.
  • Hauerwas, Stanley. The Hauerwas Reader. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2001.
  • Hays, Richard B. The Moral Vision of the New Testament: Community, Cross, New Creation, A Contemporary Introduction to New Testament Ethics. New York: HarperCollins, 1996.
  • Hollinger, Dennis P. Choosing the Good: Christian Ethics in a Complex World. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.
  • MacMillan, M. Christine, Don Posterski, and James E. Read. When Justice Is the Measure. Toronto: The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda, 2014.
  • Smith, James K. A. You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2016. (recommended for purchase)
  • Volf, Miroslav. A Public Faith: How Followers of Christ Should Serve the Common Good. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2013. (recommended for purchase)
  • Wells, Samuel. Christian Ethics: An Introductory Reader. First edition. West Sussex: Blackwell, 2010. (recommended for purchase)
  • Williams, Rowan. Faith in the Public Square. London: Bloomsbury, 2012.
  • Wolterstorff, Nicholas. Justice: Rights and Wrongs. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2010.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

4,500 word essay

4500 60.0
Seminar or Tutorial

2,500 word seminar paper

2500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 20 Jul, 2016

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-04 14:54:50 +1100