DESCRIPTION: Too often in the public sphere as well as in churches,
discussions of social issues--such as family values, the role of government,
race relations, and economics--betray a simplistic understanding or degenerate
into name-calling. As Christians, we must approach moral questions seriously
and thoughtfully, informed by secular knowledge but also shaped by our call to
be followers of Jesus Christ. In this course, we wrestle with the complexity of
these social problems, discuss the role of the faith community as a witness to
hope in actions large and small, and practice discernment as we read, discuss,
and explore ethics together.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: First, students will gain tools for
analyzing how our interpretation of history, participation in popular culture,
and personal experience shape our perceptions of social issues. Second, we will
reflect on how our Christian faith should temper our confidence in commonly
held assumptions and guide us in our beliefs and practice. Third, students will
engage in an opportunity for service and learning with classmates in order to
better understand how the church can practically address social issues. Fourth,
through honest discussion and shared experience, students can develop an
appreciation for the diversity of the body of Christ, practice respectful
disagreement within it, and recognize our overlapping concerns as members of
it.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: We are each invited to work by the power of the Spirit
for the coming of his kingdom. In addition, many of us serve as leaders in
communities and churches and in that capacity facilitate discussion of and
responses to these social issues.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for five weeks, twice a week, for four-hour
sessions that will consist of interactive lectures and occasional small group
meetings.
REQUIRED READING: