Summer 2001/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive
ET501
Piar

ET501: CHRISTIAN ETHICS. Carlos R. Piar.


DESCRIPTION:

This introduction to Christian ethics aims to identify and compare fundamental assumptions that shape how Christians exercise their Christian discipleship. This course will seek a method of moral discernment that will aid in repentance and correction, and growth in wholeness and commitment to serve Jesus Christ as Lord in all of life and ministry. We will examine a variety of theological and/or philosophical criteria by which Christians (as individuals) and the Church (as an institution) can confront a host of personal and/or social moral questions.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
The course will help students understand the importance of biblical principles for the moral life of the Christian. Students will also have a greater understanding of how these biblical principles are relevant to such socio-ethical problems as poverty, war, abortion, racism, sexism, and environmental degradation.

COURSE FORMAT:
Class will meet for two weeks, Monday through Friday, for four hours for lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING:
Mott, Stephen Charles. Biblical Ethics and Social Change. New York: Oxford University Press, 1982.

Boulton, Wayne, ed. From Christ to the World: Introductory Readings in Christian Ethics. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1994.

King, Martin Luther, Jr. Why We Can't Wait. Harper & Row, 1964. (Mentor reprint.)

Selected articles.

RECOMMENDED READING
Cahill, Lisa and James Childress. Christian Ethics. Cleveland: The Pilgrim Press, 2000.

Clark, David and Robert Rakestraw. Readings in Christian Ethics. Vol. 1: Theory and Method. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1994.

Clark, David and Robert Rakestraw. Readings in Christian Ethics. Vol. 2: Issues and Applications. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Students will write a typed, double-spaced, 8-10 page paper on an ethical issue due no later than Wednesday, August 1, 2001.

  2. Students will write a short (2 pages max.) book review on an approved book.

  3. There will be a midterm exam based on the readings and lecture material.

  4. There will be a take-home final exam based on the readings and lecture material.

PREREQUISITES:
None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
Meets M. Div. core requirement in Ethics (ETH).

FINAL EXAMINATION:
Take home final exam to be completed and postmarked no later than Saturday, July 7, 2001.