DESCRIPTION:

This introduction to Christian ethics aims to identify and compare basic convictions, regular practices, and dimensions of character that shape how Christians exercise their Christian discipleship, seeking a method that aids repentance and correction, and growth in wholeness and commitment to serve Jesus Christ as Lord in all of life and ministry. The agenda will be set by the Sermon on the Mount, and so issues of violence and peacemaking, sanctity of life, sexual faithfulness, truth-telling, love, justice (economic, racial, and ecological), and prayer, will be included.

It is every church's task to present to the world a viable model of society under the Reign of God, patterned according to Jesus' teachings. Therefore, it is crucial that students preparing for Christian ministry learn to analyze critically not only their own moral choices, but also the assumptions and interests underlying the ethics of their society. This course is designed to equip believers to subject every area of life--both public and private--to Christ's Lordship, and to translate Jesus' teachings into concrete decisions concerning contemporary ethical issues.

Our class will meet for two hours twice weekly for lecture, discussion, and student presentations.

Hays, Richard B. The Moral Vision of the New Testament: Community, Cross, New Creation; A Contemporary Introduction to New Testament Ethics. HarperSanFrancisco, 1996.

Stassen, Glen H. and David P. Gushee. Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. InterVarsity Press, 2002.

Students will also be asked to choose from one of the following parallel reading options:

1. King, Martin Luther, Jr., Strength to Love. Fortress Press, 1981.
   Plus Sanders, Cheryl J. Empowerment Ethics for a Liberated People: A Path to African American Social Transformation. Fortress Press, 1995.

2. Marshall, Christopher D. Beyond Retribution: A New Testament Vision for Justice, Crime, and Punishment. Eerdmans, 2001.

3. McFague, Sallie. Life Abundant: Rethinking Theology and Economy for a Planet in Peril. Fortress Press, 2003.

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

5. Stassen, Glen H., ed., Just Peacemaking: Ten Practices for Abolishing War. Pilgrim Press, 1998.
   Plus Yoder, John Howard. Body Politics: Five Practices of the Christian Community Before the Watching World. Herald Press, 1992.

6. Thurman, Howard. Jesus and the Disinherited. Beacon Press, 1996.
   Plus Tooley, Michelle. Voices of the Voiceless: Women, Justice, and Human Rights in Guatemala. Herald Press, 1997.

1. Weekly reading assignments.

2. Class attendance and participation in class discussions (10% of class grade).

3. Student presentation based on parallel reading (to be done in groups of 2 to 5) (30%);

4. Ten-page paper addressing one specific area of ethical concern and demonstrating a working knowledge of the methods for ethical analysis presented in the required reading (30%).

5. Final exam covering material from the reading and lectures (30%).