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 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 spheres of sexuality and family to politics and social justice.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: By examining our convictions as well as the assumptions behind them, we can be better equipped not only to 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 in order to 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) 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 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. Outside of class time, students must complete ten volunteer hours with a population and in a ministry context with which or in which the student has not previously ministered or served.

REQUIRED READING:

Davis, Ellen. Getting Involved with God: Rediscovering the Old Testament. Cowley, 2001.

Priest, Robert J. & Alvaro L. Nieves, eds. This Side of Heaven: Race, Ethnicity, and Christian Faith. Oxford University Press, 2006 (Approx. 200 pages of reading.)

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 and other articles to be accessed electronically (approximately 200 pages).

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

Davis, Ellen. Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible. Cambridge, 2008.

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

Reuschling, Wyndy Corbin. Reviving Evangelical Ethics. Brazos, 2008.

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