Summer 2011/Houston
ET501
Klauser
ET501: CHRISTIAN ETHICS. Sylvia Klauser
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 also assume that Jesus--the Living Word--not only would do something but is acting in the world; one aspect of Christian ethics is discerning how to participate in his Spirit's ongoing work. An examination of the Sermon on the Mount and Luke 4: 18-21 helps us understand God's central concerns and provides a good starting point for understanding divergent theological convictions and their evidence in our ethics. The course offers an opportunity to reflect together on the current challenges we face as disciples in all aspects of our lives, from the intimate sphere of sexuality and family to politics and social justice.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: By examining our convictions as well as the assumptions that support them, we can be better equipped to persuade others to follow Christ. As disciples, Jesus calls us to not only articulate our faith but to witness to the gospel in our way of life. In addition, the body of Christ needs to thoughtfully engage the Word of God and one another so that we can better witness 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) discover the origins of ethics, and understand and dialogue with ethical reasoning and viewpoints that differ from their own; (3) account for divergent opinions or convictions on ethical issues by identifying key factors, assumptions, or variables--including culture--embedded in moral thinking; (4) articulate the interrelatedness of Christian practices and the moral character of individuals, communities, and churches; (5) discern and articulate various ways the Spirit continues to guide, correct, and transform churches so that they witness to the good news of the kingdom of God.
COURSE FORMAT: Meeting for four weekends (July 15-16; Aug 5-6; 19-20; 26-27; Friday evenings 6:00-9:30 PM; Saturdays 8:00 AM-12:30 PM) for lectures, class and small group discussions, and an occasional film under examination. Outside of class time, students must complete three visits (3hrs each) with a population and in a ministry context with which or in which the student has not previously ministered or served.
REQUIRED READING:
Brueggeman, Walter. Journey to the Common Good. Westminster, John Knox, 2010. (120 pp.) $ 10.06. ISBN: 978-0-664-23516-1. (Kindle edition available).
Hays, Richard B. The Moral Vision of the New Testament. Harper, 1996. (part I-III, 300 pp.). $17.81. ISBN: 0-06-063796-X.
Kotva, Joseph, J. The Christian Case for Virtue Ethics. Georgetown University Press, 1996 (177pp). $26.95. ISBN: 978-0878406210. (Kindle edition available)
Priest, Robert J. & Alvaro L. Nieves, eds. This Side of Heaven: Race, Ethnicity, and Christian Faith. Oxford University Press, 2006 (370 pp.). $27.00. ISBN: 978-0195310573. (Kindle edition available)
Volf, M. Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a World Stripped of Grace. Zondervan, 2006. (250 pp.). $10.00. ISBN: 978-0310265740. (Kindle edition available)
Juvies. A Chance Films documentary, 2004. [NOTE: This DVD contains language and content that some students might find disturbing.] Available for purchase at www.juvies.net.
OR
Facing Death: How far would you go to sustain a life of someone you love, or your own?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/facing-death/ and
AlzheimerÕs Disease: Facing the Facts
http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=3441417
RECOMMENDED READING:
Yoder, John Howard. For the Nations: Essays Public and Evangelical. Eerdmans, 1997. $ 27.00. ISBN: 0-8028-4324-7. (Kindle edition available)
Murray, Stuart. The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith. Harold Press, 2010. $ 11.19. ISBN: 978-0-8361-9517-0 (Kindle edition available)
Reuschling, Wyndy Corbin. Reviving Evangelical Ethics. Brazos, 2008. (Kindle edition available)
Sider, Ron. The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience: Why are Christians living just like the Rest of the World? Baker 2005. (Kindle edition available)
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
1. Four quizzes on the readings (40%);
2. An 8-10 page paper on the biblical conception of justice/righteousness in conversation with readings and the DVD selections
OR
A paper on a Christian Ethics topic approved by the instructor (40%);
3. A 5-page theological reflection on your volunteer experience of at least 9 hours completed during Summer 2011 (20%).
¯ 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).