DESCRIPTION:

This course is an introduction to Christian social ethics. We will read texts and have discussions on biblical and theological perspectives on the church's role in the world in general as well as in relation to three specific social issues: the family, economics, and race. The class will also form small groups which will each participate in a volunteer or visitation experience related to one of these three issues and reflect on their experience in group discussions and written assignments.

This course will help students grapple with the critical issues of the role of the church in the world and the role of their own congregations in their local communities. The course will propose a "holistic" approach to ministry which integrates spirituality and evangelism with social witness and social action.

The class will meet twice a week, two hours each session. The sessions will consist of lectures, discussion, and some small group meetings.

Clapp, Rodney. Families at the Crossroads. InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Sider, Ronald J. Churches that Make a Difference. Baker Books, 2002.

_________. Good News and Good Works. Baker Books, 1993.

Sojourners magazine. Who Is My Neighbor? Sojourners, 1994.

Sojourners magazine. Crossing the Racial Divide. Sojourners, 1998.

Wink, Walter. Naming the Powers: The Language of Power in the New Testament. Fortress Press, 1984.

Yoder, John Howard. Body Politics. Herald Press, 2001.

_________. Christian Witness to the State. Herald Press, 2002.

Course Reader.

Reading assigned texts, participation in class discussion, group volunteer/visitation experience outside of class, four essay quizzes, and group paper (10 pages per student).

None.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Christian Ethics (ETH).

None.