DESCRIPTION: This introductory course in Christian ethics seeks to shape Christian disciples for moral engagement by emphasizing the concrete meaning of Jesus' teachings and actions for Christian living. It does so by developing the critical thinking skills used in moral analysis and by teaching a method that encourages repentance, personal and communal growth, and compassion for others' suffering. The class follows an agenda set by the Sermon on the Mount, covering issues such as the sanctity of life (violence, peacemaking, abortion), sexuality, truth-telling, love, justice (economic, racial, gender, and ecological), and prayer.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) develop critical thinking skills needed to analyze both their own and others' methods of making moral decisions; (2) be prepared to dialogue in an informed, thoughtful, compassionate manner with others about personal and social moral issues; (3) learn a method of moral reasoning that allows them to analyze issues beyond those covered in the course; (4) be encouraged to integrate biblical and theological reflection with experiential knowledge.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course will help students to more adequately articulate complex moral realities in order to strengthen, encourage, and teach the body of Christ, as well as bear witness to others by living the gospel in their communities.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture and discussion for four hours each day for two weeks.

REQUIRED READING:

King, Martin Luther, Jr. Strength to Love. Walker & Co., 1996.

Sider, Ronald. Just Generosity: A New Vision for Overcoming Poverty in America. Baker, 1999.

Stassen, Glen, and David Gushee. Kingdom Ethics. InterVarsity Press, 2002.

Students will also choose one of the following parallel reading tracks:

1. Clark, David K., and Robert V. Rakestraw. Readings in Christian Ethics, Vol. 2: Issues and Applications. Baker, 1996.

2. De La Torre, Miguel A. Christian Ethics from the Margins. Orbis, 2004. And Tooley, Michelle. Voices of the Voiceless: Women, Justice, and Human Rights in Guatemala. Herald, 1997.

3. Townes, Emilie. In a Blaze of Glory: Womanist Spirituality as Social Witness. Abingdon, 1995.
   And Perkins, Spencer, and Chris Rice. More Than Equals. InterVarsity Press, 1993.

4. Smedes, Lewis. Mere Morality. Eerdmans, 1987.
   And Gushee, David. Getting Marriage Right. Baker, 2004.

5. Stassen, Glen, ed. Just Peacemaking: Ten Practices for Abolishing War. Pilgrim, 1998 or 2004.
   And Marshall, Christopher D. Crowned with Glory and Honor. Pandora, 2001.

6. Doug McConnell, Jennifer Orona, Paul Stockley, eds. Understanding God's Heart for Children: Toward a Biblical Framework. World Vision, 2007. And Thurman, Howard. Jesus and the Disinherited. Beacon, 1996. [Students may NOT choose this if they have previously taken MD543].