DESCRIPTION: Paul charges us in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may
discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect." Such
a statement presumes that part of our calling is participation in moral
discernment, sifting our culture's perceptions of what is good or acceptable
through the lens of Scripture with the help of the Spirit. This class explores
"secular" conceptions of what is suitable and pleasing in various
arenas--economics, politics, ecology, sexuality, and ethnicity. We also discuss
the importance of having a theology of suffering and evil as it pertains to
these subjects. We will develop an explicitly Scripture-shaped vision of the
world, so that we might worship God truthfully and participate in Christ's
ongoing work of creating us and all creation anew.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: We are invited and commanded to work by the
power of the Spirit for the kingdom of God that is present but not yet fully
so, even as we are also members of a larger secular, global society. In
addition, many of us serve as leaders in communities, professions, and
churches, and in these capacities facilitate discussion of and response to
these ordinary aspects of our lives.
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 theological interpretation of Scripture should temper our confidence in
commonly held assumptions and guide us in our beliefs and practice. Third,
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.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice a week for two-hour sessions that will
consist of interactive lectures and small group discussion.
REQUIRED READING: