Summer 2013/Pasadena
ET501
Dufault-Hunter
ET501: CHRISTIAN ETHICS. Erin Dufault-Hunter.
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) clearly and critically analyze ethical reasoning and viewpoints; (3) articulate the interrelatedness of Christian practices and the moral character of individuals, communities, and churches; (4) understand how scriptural texts shape our moral imagination; (5) discern 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 two-week intensive format. You are expected to complete most of the reading as well as short posts on texts during this two-week period. Two short papers are due at the end of summer quarter (August 30). In addition, by the end of summer quarter 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 and write a short reflection paper. Note: You cannot pass the course without completing this volunteer component of the class.
REQUIRED READING:
Davis, Ellen. Getting Involved with God: Rediscovering the Old Testament. Cowley, 2001. ISBN: 978-1561011971, Pub. Price $17.95 [200 pp. assigned].
Priest, Robert J. & Alvaro L. Nieves, eds. This Side of Heaven: Race, Ethnicity, and Christian Faith. Oxford University Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0195310573, Pub. Price $35.00; accessible as e-Book via Fuller’s Hubbard Library [100 pp. assigned].
Wright, N. T. After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. HarperOne, 2010. ISBN: 978-0061730559, Pub. Price $24.99 [284 pp.].
Volf, M. Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a World Stripped of Grace. Zondervan, 2006. ISBN: 978-0310862062, Pub. Price $9.99 [250 pp.].
Course reader and other articles to be accessed electronically [approximately 250 pp.].
ONE of the following commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew [approximately 40 pp.]:
Bruner, J. Fredrick. Matthew: A Commentary. Vol. 1: The Christbook, Matthew 1-12. Eerdmans, 2007. ISBNs: 978-0802845061, Pub. Price $35.00 and Vol. 2: The Churchbook, Matthew 13-28. Eerdmans, 2007. ISBN: 978-0802845078, Pub. Price $45.00 (Note that this commentary comes in two volumes).
France, R. T. The Gospel of Matthew (New International Commentary on the New Testament). Eerdmans, 2007. ISBN: 978-0802825018, Pub. Price $70.00.
Keener, Craig. The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Eerdmans, 2009. ISBN: 978-0802864987, Pub. Price $55.00.
Keener, Craig. Matthew (IVP New Testament Commentary). IVP Academic, 2011. ISBN: 978-0830840014, Pub. Price $20.00.
RECOMMENDED READING: See course syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Consistent, short, and dense critical assessments of Scripture and other readings due via Moodle throughout the quarter:
Five quizzes on course content (30%);
Posts on reading on Moodle (30%);
Daily (during the two-week intensive) small group postings on Matthew (25%);
2000-word paper on your ethical vision applied to a particular aspect of Christian life, handed in at the end of the quarter (15%);
2-page theological reflection on your volunteer experience of 5 or more hours completed during the quarter (Pass/Fail). Note: You cannot pass the class without completing the volunteer component of the course.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Christian Ethics (ETH); meets MAT program requirement and Seminary Core Requirement (SCR) for other MA degrees.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.