Fall 2008/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 also assume that Jesus--the Living Word--not only would do something but is acting in the world; our task in ethics is to discern how to participate in his Spirit's ongoing work. An examination of the Sermon on the Mount 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: First, students will analyze their own and others' convictions regarding ethics, with particular attention to the overarching narratives and hermeneutical assumptions supporting them. Second, they will be ready to dialogue in an informed, thoughtful way with believers and nonbelievers about pressing social and personal moral issues. Third, students will analyze the social, historical, and cultural context in which they are ministering. Fourth, students will be encouraged to engage in practices that nourish a wise and compassionate moral life, one shaped by Scripture and open to participation with the Spirit in our particular areas of ministry.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: By examining our convictions as well as the assumptions that support them, we can be better equipped to persuade others to follow after Christ. As disciples, we are called to not only articulate our faith clearly 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.

COURSE FORMAT: Meeting twice a week for two-hour sessions for lecture that depends heavily on contributions from class members, with occasional small group discussions in class, guest speakers, and films.

REQUIRED READING:

Scott, Kieran & Michael Warren, eds. Perspectives on Marriage: A Reader. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, 2006. (Approximately 150 pp. of required reading.)

Priest, Robert J. & Alvaro L. Nieves, eds. This Side of Heaven: Race, Ethnicity, and Christian Faith. Oxford University Press, 2006 (Approx. 100 pp. of reading, with some student choice.)

Stassen, G. & D. Gushee. Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. IVP, 2002. (400 pp.)

Volf, M. Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a World Stripped of Grace. Zondervan, 2006. (250 pp.)

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.

Course reader/CD. (185 pp.)

RECOMMENDED READING:
Coontz, Stephanie. Marriage, A History: How Love Conquered Marriage. Penguin Books, 2005.

Hauerwas, Stanley. The Stanley Hauerwas Reader. Duke University Press, 2001.

Reuschling, Wyndy Corbin. Reviving Evangelical Ethics: The Promises and Pitfalls of Classic Models of Morality. Brazos Press, 2008.

Wadell, Paul J. Happiness and the Christian Life: An Introduction to Christian Ethics. Rowman & Littlefield, 2008.

Wright, N. T. Evil and the Justice of God. InterVarsity Press, 2006.

ASSIGNMENTS: Four short quizzes on the readings (25%); a 5-page theological reflection on the DVD Juvies (15%); an 8-10 page paper that develops your theology of marriage, family, sexuality or singleness in conversation with readings (30%); final exam requiring analysis of an ethical issue (30%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Christian Ethics (ETH).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/08)