PE001-512 – Christian Ethics

12 Credit Points (CPS)

On successful completion of this unit, students will

Know and understand

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding of biblical and philosophical ethics.

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

Be in a position to

• Relate perspectives from ‘Christian Ethics’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry contexts

Section A: Biblical Ethics

• Using the Bible in Ethics:
  • Methodological issues raised in moving from the Bible to modern ethical issues.
  • A brief survey of how the Bible has been used in ethics.
• Old Testament Ethics:
  • Framework: creation, sin, covenant, prophecy and wisdom;
  • Ethical themes in the Old Testament;
• New Testament Ethics:
  • Sermon on the Mount, Pauline ethics, 1 Peter, James.
  • Ethical themes: Kingdom and eschatology, righteousness/justice, love command.

Section B: Philosophical Ethics

• Introducing Ethics as a discipline: its nature and function.
• Types of Ethical Theories:
  • Theories of Obligation: deontological & teleological;
  • Theories of Virtue: traits, character, motivation, disposition;
  • The relationship between obligation and virtue.

Section C: Ethical Issues

• Students choose two of the following areas for study:
  • Divorce and re-marriage
  • Sexual morality: fidelity, adultery, homosexuality
  • Sexism and racism
  • Wealth and poverty
  • Cohabitation