DESCRIPTION: "The Kingdom of God" is an oft-used expression to describe God's
active presence in the world, as well as an eschatological vision of God's full
reign. Christian ethics is a discipline that helps us understand how to
participate in God's kingdom by following the way of Jesus through costly
discipleship. Specifically, we will look to Jesus Christ's largest
teaching--The Sermon on the Mount--to understand the Triune God's purpose for
humanity in all spheres of life (i.e., Church, family, government, etc.) and
our witness in those spheres.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: First, the student will demonstrate familiarity with the
ethical import of both the Old and New Testaments. Second, the student will
discern and articulate a moral vision of God's kingdom concerning contemporary
ethical issues. Third, the student will learn practical skills for teaching
Christian ethics in the student's contextual ministry setting. Fourth, the
student will demonstrate the ability to discern the ethical arguments of
others.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Christ calls disciples, not admirers, and since all
Christians are called to be ministers within their myriad vocations (e.g.,
ministers, therapists, missionaries, teachers, social workers, etc.), this
course will pay special attention to practical ways one can serve others,
particularly through one's vocational calling or setting. In this way,
Christians can enter into the increasingly fragmented existence of a
secularized culture--including consumerism, imperialism, racism, sexism, and
other threats to community--in order to love and promote an "ethic of the
everyday." Together, we seek to discern those practices (e.g., prayer,
peacemaking, reconciliation, hospitality, etc.) which form the identity of
those who bear the name of Christ.
COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions and will
primarily be a lecture format. Students will be encouraged to participate,
through corporate and small group discussion. This course will also potentially
utilize guest speakers and multimedia presentations.
REQUIRED READING: