Fall 2015/Pasadena

ET556/856

Mouw

ET556/856: ETHICS IN THE REFORMED TRADITION (4/6 Units: 160/385 hours). Richard J. Mouw.

DESCRIPTION: The moral thought associated with Reformed theology has been one of the dominant influences on the ethical perspectives in the 20th and 21st century evangelical movement. Prominent Reformed thinkers in this regard include, among others, Herman Bavinck, Karl Barth, Emil Brunner, John Murray and Lewis Smedes. Special attention has been given by these thinkers to a command-based ethic, the relationship between morality and general revelations, and the relevance of the Sinai Law to the New Testament call to a life of love. In this course, attention will be focused on the writings of key writings in Reformed moral theology, with attention to the implications of those writings for ethical thought and practice in the present-day evangelical movement.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to (1) identify and articulate central Reformed theological themes as they bear on moral decision-making and practices; (2) evaluate differences of emphases—for example, on the legitimacy of elements in “natural” morality relationship to the moral deliverances of special revelation; (3) articulate the rationales for the normative teachings in Reformed/Presbyterian catechesis (Heidelberg Catechism, Westminster Shorter Catechism) regarding the Sinai commandments as providing authoritative guidance for living out the claims of contemporary discipleship; (4) assess the relevant differences between Reformed moral thought and other Christian (Anabaptist, Lutheran, Catholic) perspectives.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three-hour sessions, for a total of 30 hours of seminar-type discussions, plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours.

REQUIRED READING: 1,200 pages for Master’s level; 2,500 total pages for Doctoral level

Brunner, Emil, and Karl Barth. Natural Theology: Comprising “Nature and Grace,” by Professor Dr. Emil Brunner, and the reply, “No,” by Dr. Karl Barth. Translated by Peter Fraenkel. Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2002. ISBN: 978-1592441129, Pub. Price $17.00 [128 pages].

DeYoung, Rebecca Konyndyk. Vainglory. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 2014. ISBN: 978-0802871299, Pub. Price $14.00 [144 pages].

Murray, John. Principles of Conduct: Aspects of Biblical Ethics. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1957. ISBN: 978-0802811448, Pub. Price $20.00 [272 pages].

Smedes, Lewis. Mere Morality: What God Expects from Ordinary People. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989. ISBN: 978-0802802576, Pub. Price $22.00 [294 pages].

An additional 362 pages for Master’s students and 1662 pages for Doctoral students, to be decided with instructor, for individual research assignments.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Required reading. For master’s level students: 1200 pages [80 hours]. For doctoral students: 2500 pages [167 hours]
  2. For Master’s level students: Five commentary-summaries (500 words) of sermons (recordings or printed) based on treatments in the Westminster Shorter or Heidelberg Catechism of specific Sinai commandments. (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3] [20 hours, including 10 hours of DLAs]
  3. For Doctoral level students: 4 written assignments on required reading (1250 words each) and oral presentation (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [50, DLAs]
  4. For Doctoral level students: 4 written assignments on additional reading and oral presentation (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [48 hours, DLAs]
  5. For Master’s level students: 2000 word paper on individual agreed-upon topic. (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [25 hours].
  6. For Doctoral students: 7500 word research paper. (80%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4] [90 hours]
  7. For Master’s level students: take-home final exam. (50%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [5 hours]

PREREQUISITES: For master’s level students, instructor’s permission.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Option to meet the TH5 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None for Doctoral students. Take-home for Master’s level students.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.

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