Details for Christian Ethics
In an era of moral relativism, Christians should stand out as moral beacons. In fact, however, it is increasingly the case that Church is seen not as a community of love but, rather, as a legalistic, dogmatic, mean-spirited and hypocritical institution. This unit helps students to think through how they go about making ethical decisions. It argues against legalism, and sets up a theological method of approaching ethics that prioritises grace and the power of the Spirit. It also facilitates guided reflection on personal morality and societal ethical issues.
Quick Info
- Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
- Course code: THE201
- Credit points: 10
- Subject coordinator: Grant Buchanan
Prerequisites
The following courses are prerequisites:
Awards offering Christian Ethics
This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:
- Associate Degree in Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Social Science
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Ministry
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Theology
- Bachelor of Ministry
- Bachelor of Theology
- Diploma of Arts
- Diploma of Business
- Diploma of Business and Diploma of Entrepreneurship
- Diploma of Business and Diploma of Leadership
- Diploma of Business and Diploma of Ministry
- Diploma of Chaplaincy
- Diploma of Chaplaincy and Diploma of Leadership
- Diploma of Chaplaincy and Diploma of Ministry
- Diploma of Entrepreneurship
- Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Diploma of Leadership
- Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Diploma of Ministry
- Undergraduate Certificate in Arts
Unit Content
Curriculum Objective
Outcomes
- Display a sound understanding of various historical traditions of theological and philosophical ethics.
- Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the integration of biblical and contemporary Christian theological ethics with philosophical approaches to ethics
- Analyse some contemporary ethical issues in the light of various biblical, historical and theological approaches and the contemporary context
- Illustrate the importance of an articulate Christian response to a range of ethical issues facing Christians and the Church in a complex changing secular society;
- Employ advanced critical tools for making ethical determinations based on a Christian worldview.
Subject Content
- Ethical Issues and Theories (e.g. Utilitarianism, Situational Ethics, Deontological Ethics, Conscience and Virtue Ethics)
- Biblical Foundations and Agape Ethics
- Christian Ethics in the Public Sphere
- Human Life, Relationships, and Sexuality
- War and peace
- Eco-Ethics and Creation
- Vocational Ethics: Business Ethics and Ministerial Ethics
This course may be offered in the following formats
- Face to Face (onsite)
- Distance/E-Learning (online)
- Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks.)
Assessment Methods
- Forum Postings (30%)
- Creative Personal Reflection (20%)
- Major Essay (50%)
Business Students Assessment Methods (applicable to Bachelor of Business (BBus) or BBus Double Degree students only)
For students enrolled in the Bachelor of Business (or a BBus Double Degree), the following assessment methods apply:
- Reading Responses (30%)
- Minor Essay (20%)
- Creative Personal Reflection (in class or video presentation) (25%)
- Final Exam (25%)
Prescribed Text
- Rae,Scott B. Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics. 4th ed. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 2018. (Available in Kindle)