DESCRIPTION: While overly simplistic, the popular Evangelical phrase "WWJD" captures an important truth about Christian morality. Yet we live in a radically different time and place than Jesus, and sincere believers often disagree about how to follow him today. In addition, we must assume that Jesus--the Living Word--not only would do something but is acting in the world; a crucial aspect of Christian ethics is discerning how to participate in his Spirit's ongoing work. Through careful attention to Scripture (particularly the Psalms and the Gospel of Matthew) as well as other readings, the course provides students with an opportunity to practice moral discernment shaped by the biblical narrative. The course considers challenges we face as disciples in all aspects of our lives, from the intimate spheres of sexuality and family to politics and communal justice.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: By examining our convictions as well as the assumptions behind them, we can be better equipped not only to articulate our faith but also to witness to Christ in our way of life. In addition, the body of Christ needs to thoughtfully engage the Word of God and one another in order to better testify in our personal and common life to the truth and grace of the gospel.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) articulate how biblical faith and theology inform Christian ethics generally as well as how they apply to specific moral issues; (2) critically analyze ethical reasoning and viewpoints; (3) articulate the interrelatedness of Christian practices and the moral character of individuals, communities, and churches; (4) discern with classmates and the professor ways the Spirit is guiding, correcting, and transforming local churches so that they witness to the good news of the kingdom of God.

COURSE FORMAT: This is a Fuller Live! course. Class will be taught in Pasadena, along with another section in Atlanta, by live audio/video link, meeting once a week for a three-hour session for lecture and discussion, with weekly virtual small group discussions via Moodle. Outside of class time, students must complete five volunteer hours with a population and in a ministry context with which or in which the student has not previously ministered or served.

REQUIRED READING:

Davis, Ellen. Getting Involved with God: Rediscovering the Old Testament. Cowley, 2001. (200 pp.) ISBN: 9781561011971. Pub. price $17.95; $9.99 Kindle edition.

Priest, Robert J. & Alvaro L. Nieves, eds. This Side of Heaven: Race, Ethnicity, and Christian Faith. Oxford University Press, 2006. (approx. 200 pages of reading.) ISBN: 9780195310573. List price: $35.00; accessible as e-Book via Fuller's Hubbard Library.

Wright, N. T. After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. HarperOne, 2010. (284 pp.) ISBN: 9780061730559. Pub. price: $24.99; $9.99 Kindle edition.

Volf, M. Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a World Stripped of Grace. Zondervan, 2006. (250 pp.) ISBN: 9780310862062. Pub. price: $9.99 for paper and Kindle edition.

One of the following commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew:

Bruner, J. Fredrick. Matthew: A Commentary. Vol. 1: The Christbook, Matthew 1-12. Vol. 2: The Churchbook, Matthew 13-28. Eerdmans, 2007. (665 pp.; 888 pp.) ISBNs: 9780802845061; 9780802845078. Pub. price: $35.00, $45.00; $19.95 Kindle edition. (Note that this commentary comes in two volumes; you need to use both for the course.)

France, R. T. The Gospel of Matthew (New International Commentary on the New Testament). Eerdmans, 2007. (1233 pp.) ISBN: 9780802825018. Pub. price: $70.00; $41.90 Kindle edition.

Keener, Craig. The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Eerdmans, 2009. (1090 pp.) ISBN: 9780802864987. Pub. price: $55.00; $39.49 Kindle edition.

Keener, Craig. Matthew (IVP New Testament Commentary). IVP Academic, 2011. (444 pp.)ISBN: 978-0830840014. Pub. price: $20.00.

Course reader and other articles to be accessed electronically (approximately 200 pages).