Huntingdon College W. James Samford, Jr. School of Business and Professional Studies COURSE NUMBER: REL350 COURSE NAME: Christian Ethics Spring 2015, Session II, Lawson Wednesdays, 2/18,2/25,3/4,3/11,3/18; 5:30 9:30 PM INSTRUCTOR S NAME: Dr. John Brannon CONTACT INFORMATION: john.brannon@hawks.huntingdon.edu CATALOG DESCRIPTION: An introduction to contemporary Christian ethics and to the various methodologies employed by contemporary Christian ethicists to derive their distinctive ethical standpoint. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the discipline of Christian ethics in the breadth and complexity of its ongoing questions as well as the depth of its historical resources and complexities. Students should leave the class with an enlarged understanding of the prevalent methodological and theological issues in Christian ethics and the diversity of approaches to those issues. This course is not primarily intended to address particular practical issues such as sexuality, warfare, hunger, etc. but to study the Biblical and philosophical foundations that shape how Christians understand the moral life. PREREQUISITE: one 200-level religion course recommended, but not required. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of this course, you should: 1. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic methods and key themes in Christian theological ethics. 2. To be able to apply these methods and themes to contemporary and/or perennial moral issues facing Christians. 3. Be able to demonstrate the ability to critically engage readings in Christian ethics, identifying key assumptions and distinguishing poor from solid argumentation. 4. Have clarified some your own moral reasoning by grappling with issues of personal integrity and morality. TEXT REQUIRED: 1. Exploring Christian Ethics, Kyle Fedler, John Knox, ISBN 9780664228989 2. Bible. Preferred: NIV or RSV. Acceptable: NEV, King James, NASB.
Grading Elements Participation and Attendance 10% Mid-term exam 35% Final exam 35% Theological Reflection Journal 20% Exams The exams will not be cumulative except for basic concepts and vocabulary. A study guide for the exams will be provided. Reading Reflection Journal Each week you must write 1-2 pages in your theological reflection journal in which you reflect upon the readings for the week. There are many ways to do this. You might ask questions that need clarification in class. You might talk about something you found interesting or compelling. You may wish to criticize the readings in some fashion. You may wish to relate the readings to your own experience. You might engage in some exegesis of a Biblical passage that relates to the readings. In some way, engage the readings. You may wish to argue for or against one of the views expressed in the Fedler text or deal with the ethical implications of some of the primary readings in the Bible. The grade will be based upon the amount of thought and effort that went into the entries, the quality of the writing, and the degree to which you read and engaged the readings. Late Assignments No shows fail the assignment. It is expected that the students fulfill their assignments on the date they are scheduled to do so. Students with illness or other problems that prevent them from attending class on the day a presentation or written assignment (including a test and/or exam) is due must contact their instructors PRIOR to the deadline via Huntingdon College email with supporting documentation to request an extension or a make-up. In most cases, missed assignments are logistically difficult to make-up while maintaining the integrity of the module. In rare cases, approval to makeup an assignment may be granted at the discretion of the faculty member based on the seriousness of the circumstance and on the supporting evidence provided by the student. Contacting a fellow class member does not substitute for contacting the instructor. Accommodation of Special Needs Huntingdon College makes every reasonable accommodation for disabilities that have been processed and approved through our Disability Services Committee in accord with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. In order to request disability-related services at Huntingdon College, students must self-identify to the Disabilities Intake Coordinator, Camilla Irvin, and provide appropriate and up-to-date documentation to verify their disability or special needs. After the accommodations have been approved by the Disability Services Committee, the 504 Coordinator, Dr. Lisa Olenik Dorman, will notify your professor(s) of the committee s decision. If you have any questions regarding reasonable accommodation or need to request disability-related services, please contact Disability Services at (334) 833-4432 or e-mail at disabilityservices@huntingdon.edu.
Absences and Tardiness All students are required to attend the first session. Those who do not attend the first session will be automatically dropped from the course. Students with more than one absence will receive an "F" for the course. Since this class meets only five times, missing a single class meeting is equivalent to missing three weeks of a regular term. If you cannot attend a class you must let the instructor know via email as soon as possible. In case of absences you are responsible for obtaining all handouts and assignments. Tardiness may result in a deduction in your class participation grade. Excessive tardiness may count as an absence. Academic Honesty Plagiarism is literary theft. Failure to cite the author of any language or of any ideas which are not your own creation is plagiarism. This includes any text you might paraphrase, as well. It is not consistent with the College Honor Code, nor with scholarly expectations to submit work which is not the product of your own thinking and research. Severe penalties will result upon the submission of any work found to be plagiarized, including potential failure of the entire course. Accommodation of Special Needs Huntingdon College makes every reasonable accommodation for disabilities that have been processed and approved through our Disability Services Committee in accord with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. In order to request disability-related services at Huntingdon College, students must self-identify to the Disabilities Intake Coordinator, Camilla Irvin, and provide appropriate and up-to-date documentation to verify their disability or special needs. After the accommodations have been approved by the Disability Services Committee, the 504 Coordinator, Dr. Lisa Olenik Dorman, will notify your professor(s) of the committee s decision. If you have any questions regarding reasonable accommodation or need to request disability-related services, please contact Disability Services at (334) 833-4432 or e-mail at disabilityservices@huntingdon.edu.
Week 1 Introduction Approaches to Ethical Decision Making -Completed prior to first class meeting Fedler, chapter 1 Exploring Christian Ethics p. 3-13 Fedler, ch 2 What Should we do? Approaches to Ethical Decision Making Case studies: TBA 1. Distinguish between descriptive and prescriptive ethics 2. Identify some of the key Christian theological claims that lead to an emphasis on ethics within the Christian religion. 3. Explain ethical egoism and psychological egoism 4. Explain how psychological egoism differs from the Christian doctrine of total depravity/sin. 5. Describe in detail the basic approach of deontologists. 6. Distinguish between absolute rules and prima facie rules. 7. Describe in detail the basic approach to ethics taken by utilitarians. 8. Outline some of the basic strengths and weaknesses of utilitarianism from a Christian perspective. 9. Be able to identify the two dominant (decisionist) approaches when reading articles; be able to analyze a case study from both a utilitarian and deontological perspective. Week 2 On Being a Christian: Virtue and Character Scripture and Other sources of Wisdom/Guidance Fedler, chapter 3 How should we be? Virtue, Character, and Emotions Fedler, chapter 4 Use of Scripture and Other Sources of Guidance 1. Describe the major features of Character or Virtue Ethics.
2. Identify how a virtue approach differs from the two types of decisionist approaches explored in the previous week. 3. Be able to identify when authors are using a virtue approach. 4. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of virtue ethics from a Christian perspective. 5. Identify some of the inherent challenges that Christians face when using scripture for guidance. 6. Cite and describe the various ways in which scripture can be employed in Christian ethics. 7. Note some of the benefits and challenges of using each of these methods of scripture in ethics. 8. Identify the different types of uses when hearing or reading Christian ethical arguments. 9. Explain the other sources of Christian guidance besides scripture: tradition, reason, and experience. Week 3 Key Ethical Claims and Genesis 1-3 Law and Justice Scripture: Genesis 1-3 Fedler chapter 5 God, Humans, and Creation in Genesis 1-3 Scripture readings: Exodus 19, 20-23:13 Deuteronomy 5-6, 22-24 Leviticus 11-13,25 Fedler, ch. 6 Mosaic Covenant: New Guidelines for a New People 1. Articulate and give examples of how Biblical stories (rather than only laws) provide moral guidance for Christians. 2. Identify some of the key theological claims about God found in Genesis 1-3 which shape Christian ethics. 3. Identify some of the key theological claims about the world found in Genesis 1-3 which shape Christian ethics. 4. Identify some of the key theological claims about human beings found in Genesis 1-3 which shape Christian ethics. 5. Explain what is meant by the term covenant. 6. Connect particular commandments in the Mosaic law with God s call to be a unique, alternative community. 7. Distinguish between the two tables of the Decalogue and explain the connection between the two tables.
8. Cite some of the laws that reflect a key theme of the Torah: Protection of the Powerless. 9. Explain how Sabbath day, Sabbath year, and Jubilee Year represent a kind of foreshadowing the kingdom of God. 10. Be able to make connections between Hebrew Torah (law) and modern Christian ethics. The Prophets Obedience and Imitation of Jesus Week 4 Scripture: 1 Kings 18-19; 21; Amos (all); Jeremiah 2; Isaiah 1:10-17; 58:6-14; 65:17-25 Fedler, ch. 7 Prophets: Spokespersons for God and Troublers of Israel Scripture: Gospel of Luke Matthew 5-7; 25: 31-46 John 8: 1-11; 11:38-44 Fedler, chapter 8 Fedler, chapter 9 (except pages 175-181) Imitation and the Life of Jesus 1. Explain the relationship between the Mosaic covenant and pre-exilic prophecy. 2. Articulate the difference in message (and tone) between pre-exilic prophecy and post-exilic prophecy. 3. Read a previously unfamiliar piece of prophecy and determine whether it is more likely to be post-exilic or pre-exilic. 4. Describe and appeal to specific examples of key pre-exilic themes. 5. Explain how calls for justice and calls for proper worship of Yahweh are connected in Hebrew prophecy. 6. Be able to make connections between ancient Hebrew prophecy and modern Christian ethics. 7. Explain in detail the core teaching of Jesus known as the Reign (Kingdom) of God. 8. Explain how Jesus own life and ministry represent a breaking in of the Kingdom of God. 9. Articulate several ways in which Jesus proclamation of the Reign of God impacts Christian ethics. 10. Intelligently discuss how Jesus teaching on sexuality, family, and wealth might be applied by modern Christians.
Week 5 Christian Love (Agape) Paul, James, and Justification by Grace Scripture Shema: Deuteronomy 6: 4-5 Leviticus 19:17-18; 19:33-34 Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37 John 13, 15 I John 4:7-2 Fedler, chapter 9 (175-181) Scripture: Romans 1-8, 12-15; James Fedler, ch. 10 The Ethics of Paul: Justification and New Creation Fedler, Epilogue 1. Identify some limitations or challenges with using the imitation of Jesus actions as the sole or primary use of the Bible for Christian ethics. 2. Distinguish agape from other types of love by outlining key features of Christian agape. 3. Explain what Paul means by justification by grace and how this impacts his teachings on ethics.