DETAILS FOR CHRISTIAN ETHICS

New to university studies & it all seems too hard? Worried about writing essay papers? Or where to begin researching? Or you feel confident in writing, but want to learn the skills of evaluating the masses of information we are bombarded with? This unit is for you! It will give you the tools of how to succeed in your undergraduate academic studies. It will examine how you learn, plus challenge you to think deeper, wider and more creatively. It will also encourage you in how to critically evaluate and reflect on information. Plus develop your skills in how to put it all together in an essay paper or oral presentation.

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: Andrew Youd

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites:

  • THE101—Christian Worldview

Awards offering Christian Ethics

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

  • Bachelor of Business
  • Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Ministry

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This introductory subject covers most of the key turning points in Christian history, from Christ to the contemporary era, with a view to providing a basis for future historical and theological studies.

Outcomes

  1. Display a sound understanding of various historical traditions of theological and philosophical ethics.
  2. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the integration of biblical and contemporary Christian theological ethics with philosophical approaches to ethics
  3. Analyse some contemporary ethical issues in the light of various biblical, historical and theological approaches and the contemporary context
  4. 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;
  5. Employ advanced critical tools for making ethical determinations based on a Christian worldview.

Subject Content

  • Ethical Theories and Utilitarianism
  • Deontological Ethics
  • Conscience and Virtue Ethics
  • Sutational Ethics and Theological Ethics
  • Christian Ethics in the Public Sphere
  • Human Sexuality
  • War and Peace
  • Human Life
  • Business Ethics
  • Creation and Ethics
  • Ministerial Ethics

This course may be offered in the following formats

  1. Face-to-Face
  2. Online
  3. Intensive

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

  • Major Essay 40% (2000 words)
  • Group Presentation 40% (30 mins)
  • Forum Postings 20% (2500 words)

Prescribed Text

  • Rae, Scott B. Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 2009.
    Please contact your lecturer before purchasing any textbooks