PE001-512
Christian Ethics
Learning Outcomes
A. Know and understand
Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of biblical and philosophical ethics.
B. Be able to
- Trace the major themes of biblical ethics
- Demonstrate skills of Christian ethical reasoning and decision making in relation to a selection of contemporary ethical issues
- Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on Christian ethics
C. Be in a position to
- Relating perspectives from Christian Ethics to contemporary Christian living and ministry contexts.
Content
Section A: Philosophical and Theological Ethics
- Introducing Ethics as a discipline:
i. its nature and function. - Types of Ethical Theories:
i. Theories of Obligation: deontological & teleological
ii. Theories of Virtue: traits, character, motivation, disposition
iii. The relationship between obligation and virtue.
Section B: Ethics and Scripture
- Using the Bible in Ethics:
i. Methodological issues raised in moving from the Bible to contemporary ethical issues.
ii. A brief survey of how the Bible has been used in ethics. - Ethical themes in Scripture - both Old Testament and New Testament themes should be covered. These may include, but are not limited to:
i. The framework of creation, sin, covenant, prophecy and wisdom
ii. Kingdom and eschatology
iii. righteousness/justice
iv. love command
Section C: Ethics in Contemporary Context
- Moral discernment in the church today.
- The relationship between Christian ethics and secular culture
Note: The topics in Section C may be taught and assessed alongside the issues studied in Section D.
Section D: Applied Ethics
Students synthesise insights from the first three sections and apply them to at least two issues that may include, but are not limited to:
- Gender, sexuality, and marriage (including divorce & remarriage)
- Beginning and end of life issues (assisted reproduction technologies, voluntary assisted dying)
- Privilege and power (race, culture, wealth and poverty)
- Ecological sustainability and consumerism
- Technology