PE004-506 - Introductory Ethics

  • 1,392 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 6
    Credit Points
  • 0.0625 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • philosophy ethicsUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PE304. Unit exclusions: PE001-512, PE001-712, PE002-612, PE002-712, PE002-812

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of biblically informed approaches to ethics.

B. Be able to

1. Outline biblically informed approaches to ethical questions

2. Demonstrate skills in ethical reasoning in relation to a selection of contemporary issues

3. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on biblical ethics

C. Be in a position to

1. Relating perspectives from ‘Introductory Ethics’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry contexts

Content

1. Approaches to Ethics

  • Introduction to Ethics as a discipline
  • Using the Bible in ethics
    • Methodological issues.
    • Introduction to ethical themes in the Old and New Testaments
    • A theological approach to ethics
  • Key Approaches to Ethical Questions
    • Consequentialism
    • Deontology
    • Teleology
    • Virtue

2. Contemporary Ethical Issues

Lecturers are to select topics related to at least two of the following areas:

  • Marriage and Cohabitation
  • Sexuality and Gender
  • Divorce and Remarriage
  • The Beginning and End of Life
  • Wealth and Poverty
  • The Environment
  • Other Contemporary Ethical Issues as approved by the moderator

Set Readings

Recommended:

Atkinson, David J., and David F. Field, eds. New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral Theology. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 1995.

Barton, John. Understanding Old Testament Ethics: Approaches and Explorations. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2003.

Best, Megan. Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Ethics and the Beginning of Human Life. Kingsford, N.S.W.: Matthias Media, 2012.

Brown, Colin. Crash Course on Christian Ethics. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1998.

Cameron, Andrew J. B. Joined-Up Life: A Christian Account of How Ethics Works. Nottingham: IVP, 2011.

Cornes, Andrew. Divorce and Remarriage. Mentor, 2012.

Fedler, Kyle D. Exploring Christian Ethics: Biblical Foundations for Morality. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.

Grenz, Stanley J. The Moral Quest: Foundations of Christian Ethics. Downers Grove: IVP, 1997.

Hauerwas, Stanley, and Samuel Wells, eds. The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics. Chichester; Malden: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.

Hill, Michael. The How and Why of Love: An Introduction to Evangelical Ethics. Kingsford, N.S.W.: Matthias Media, 2002.

Hollinger, Dennis P. Choosing the Good: Christian Ethics in a Complex World. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2002.

Hollinger, Dennis P.  The Meaning of Sex: Christian Ethics and the Moral Life. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2009.

Holmes, Arthur F. Ethics: Approaching Moral Decisions. 2nd ed. Contours of Christian Philosophy. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2007.

Jones, Stanton L., and Mark A. Yarhouse. Homosexuality: The Use of Scientific Research in the Church’s Moral Debate. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP Academic, 2000.

Köstenberger, Andreas J., and David W. Jones. God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation. 2nd edition. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 2010.

Rae, Scott. Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009.

Roberts, Vaughan. Talking Points: Transgender. The Good Book Company, 2016.

Sloane, Andrew. At Home in a Strange Land Using the Old Testament in Christian Ethics. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2008.

Stott, John R. W., and John Wyatt. “Marriage, Cohabitation, and Divorce.” Pages 359–88 in Issues Facing Christians Today. Edited by Roy McCloughry. 4th ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.

Thompson, James W. Moral Formation according to Paul: The Context and Coherence of Pauline Ethics. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2011.

Walker, Andrew T. God and the Transgender Debate. Centralia, WA: The Good Book Company, 2017.

Wright, Christopher J. H. Old Testament Ethics for the People of God. Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity Press, 2004.

Yarhouse, Mark A. Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2010.

Yarhouse, Mark A. Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 2015.