DESCRIPTION:

This course will focus on how we, individually and corporately, can address major political issues in our day. The first half will review Christian views of politics, economics, and social relations and consider how we can biblically discern the major trends of modern life. The second half will, in light of the first, focus on particular areas and issues. The issues chosen can be adjusted to reflect student interests, but are likely to include economic policy, international relations, abortion, and church and state questions. Our goal will not be to provide "solutions" in all these areas, but to review Christian approaches and discern how we should shape our own position.

Christians are now more politically and socially active as Christians, and realize that society affects both many dimensions of the Church and what was once seen as purely personal. All too often the Christian response is a narrowly ideological imitation of the right or the left. In this situation a responsible Christian life demands ways to grasp political and social issues, and a responsible pastorate needs to help shape this.

The course will be taught over five weeks, with four-hour class meetings twice weekly. The course will be based on lectures, with opportunity given for (and participation expected in) questions and discussion. In the second part students will form small groups and work together in preparing and giving a presentation on a particular topic to the rest of the class.

Boulton, Wayne G., Thomas D. Kennedy, and Arlen Verhey, eds. From Christ to the World: Introductory Readings in Christian Ethics. Eerdmans, 1994.

Gondzwaard, R. Idols of our Time. InterVarsity Press, 1984.

Marshall, P. Just Politics. (Copies of MS will be available through the Fuller Bookstore).

O'Donovan, O. The Christian and the Unborn Child. Grove Books, 1975.

Sider, R. and O'Donovan, O. Peace and War. Grove Books, 1983.

Skillen, J. The Scattered Voice. Zondervan, 1991.

Carlson-Thies, S. et al. Welfare in America. Eerdmans, 1996.

Carter, S. The Culture of Disbelief. Basic Books, 1993.

Cromartie, M. Caesar's Coin Revisited: Christians and the Limits of Government. Eerdmans, 1996.

Hauerwas, S. After Christendom? Eerdmans, 1991.

Hay, D. Economic Today. Eerdmans, 1989.

Mott, S. C. A Christian Perspective on Political Thought. Oxford University Press, 1993.

O'Donovan, O. Begotten or Made. Oxford University Press, 1984.

Reading of assigned tests; regular attendance at lectures and participation in discussion; group presentations (35% of grade); one short (4 pp.) book review (20% of grade); and a final paper of 12-15 pp., typed, double-spaced, with footnotes and bibliography (45% of grade).