Christian Ethics (BTh)
Group
C (Half paper)
Level
First or Second Examination
Pre-requisites
None
Aims
The module aims to develop in students mature and well-informed habits in moral thinking, appreciation and judgment appropriate to a Christian teaching and pastoral ministry, and to Christian living.
Objectives
On successful completion of this paper the student will be expected to be able to:
- Understand the variety of ethical views and approaches within the Christian Church
- Develop a range and depth of knowledge in a particular area of ethics
- Critically evaluate the various sources on which Christians draw in their moral thinking
- Articulate a sensitive, coherent and engaged position on ethical issues
Delivery Method
The paper will be taught by a series of eight two-hour lectures, which will include some time for group discussion. These will be supplemented by individual and/or small group supervisions.
Assessment Method
The paper will be examined by one essay of 3000 words.
Assessment Schedule
BTh essay deadline date.
Outline Content
This paper integrates the theory and practice of Christian ethics. It begins by looking at questions of meta-ethics, laying conceptual foundations and exploring a variety of approaches found within the Christian Church and outside. It engages constructively and critically with key sources such as the Bible, Christian tradition, moral philosophy and relevant empirical data. The paper goes on to investigate important issues and difficult dilemmas in the contemporary world. Students will have the opportunity to explore in depth a topic in e.g. ecological, economic, medical, political and sexual ethics. The paper has a dual focus on church and world.
Core Bibliography
- Boulton, Wayne G, Kennedy, T.D. and Verhey, A. (eds), (1995) From Christ to the World: Introductory Readings in Christian Ethics, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Stassen
- Cunningham, David S. (2008) Christian Ethics: The End of the Law, Abingdon: Routledge.
- Gill, Robin ed. (1995), A Textbook of Christian Ethics, revised ed., Edinburgh: T & T Clark.
- Gill, Robin ed. (2001), The Cambridge Companion to Christian Ethics, Cambridge: CUP.
- Hauerwas, Stanley and Wells, Samuel eds. (2004), The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics, Oxford: Blackwell.
- Hollinger, Dennis P. (2002), Choosing the Good: Christian Ethics in a Complex World, Grand Rapids, Mi: Baker Academic.
- Hoose, Bernard ed. (1998), Christian Ethics: An Introduction, London: Cassell.
- Long, D. Stephen (2010), Christian Ethics: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford: OUP
- MacIntyre, Alasdair (1981), After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory, London: Duckworth.
- McCoy, Alban (2004), An Intelligent Person's Guide to Christian Ethics, London: Continuum.
- Soskice, Janet and Lipton, Diana eds. (2003), Feminism and Theology, London: SPCK.
- Stassen, Glen, H. and Gushee, David P. (2003) Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Culture, Downers Grove: IVP