Spring 2013/Fuller Online
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) 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: Course is conducted online, asynchronous, presented over 11 weeks. In addition to required reading, students are expected to access audio lectures and written lecture notes. Students must post to forums weekly and consistently interact with the professor and students about the readings and lectures. There are also occasional opportunities for accessing web-based resources as a supplement to the course content.
REQUIRED READING:
Davis, Ellen. Getting Involved with God: Rediscovering the Old Testament. Cowley, 2001. ISBN: 978-1561011971, Pub.price $17.95; $9.99 Kindle edition [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 [approx. 200 pp. assigned].
Wright, N. T. After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. HarperOne, 2010. ISBN: 978-0061730559, Pub.price $24.99; $9.99 Kindle edition [284 pp. assigned].
Volf, M. Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a World Stripped of Grace. Zondervan, 2006. ISBN: 978-031026574, Pub.price $12.99; $9.99 Kindle edition. 250 pp.)
Course reader and other articles to be accessed electronically (approximately 200 pages).
Choose 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. ISBN: 978-0802845061, Pub.price $35.00 [656 pp.] & ISBN: 978-0802845078, Pub.price $45.00 [888 pp.]. (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. ISBN: 978-0802825018, Pub.price $70.00; $41.90 Kindle edition [1233 pp.].
Keener, Craig. The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Eerdmans, 2009. ISBN: 978-0802864987, Pub.price $55.00; $39.49 Kindle edition [1090 pp.].
Keener, Craig. Matthew (IVP New Testament Commentary). IVP Academic, 2011. ISBN: 978-0830840014, Pub.price $20.00 [444 pp.].
RECOMMENDED READING: See course syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Assignments are spread throughout the quarter with due dates for regular postings throughout the quarter as per schedule below:
weekly quizzes on course content (50%),
weekly posts on passages from the Gospel of Matthew, including contributions/comments to other students in your group (35%);
a short paper (2000 words or roughly 4 pages) on your ethical vision due finals week (15%);
and a 2-page theological reflection on your ministry visitation/volunteer experience of 5 or more hours completed during the quarter (Pass/Fail). Note: You cannot pass the class without completing the visitation 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.