Successful completion or advanced placement in CET101, and CET202.

CET603, Advanced Christian Ethics- An Operational Approach, is an in-depth exploration of the theological foundations, ethical theories, and contemporary moral issues from a Christian perspective. This advanced course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how Christian ethics interacts with and informs various aspects of personal and public life, including human rights, social justice, character formation, and global contexts. Students will critically analyze the role of the Church in ethical formation, the intersection of Christian and secular ethics, and the application of ethical decision-making frameworks to real-world challenges. Through rigorous study and reflective practice, this course prepares students to apply Christian ethical principles in diverse and complex situations, fostering moral integrity and informed ethical leadership.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand and articulate the theological foundations of Christian ethics.
2. Critically analyze major ethical theories from a Christian perspective.
3. Evaluate contemporary moral issues through the lens of Christian ethics.
4. Explore the role of the Church in ethical formation and its influence on social ethics.
5. Assess the interplay between Christian and secular ethical systems, identifying common ground and points of tension.
6. Apply principles of ethical decision-making to complex moral dilemmas in professional and global contexts.
7. Investigate the relationship between Christian ethics and human rights, understanding the biblical foundations and contemporary applications.
8. Examine the biblical mandate for social justice and its relevance to key areas of social concern.
9. Develop a comprehensive understanding of Christian virtues and their role in character formation.
10. Analyze the role of Christian ethics in addressing global challenges, including issues related to technology, environment, and public life.

Course Content

1. Theological Foundations of Christian Ethics
• Overview and Definition
• Key Theological Concepts and Biblical Principles
• Extra Sources:
• "Ethics for a Brave New World" by John S. Feinberg and Paul D. Feinberg
• "Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine" by Wayne Grudem
2. Ethical Theories in Christian Perspective
• Overview and Definition of Major Ethical Theories
• Comparative Analysis from a Christian Viewpoint
• Extra Sources:
• "The Oxford Handbook of Theological Ethics" edited by Gilbert Meilaender and William Werpehowski
• "Ethics: Approaching Moral Decisions" by Arthur F. Holmes
3. Contemporary Moral Issues in Christian Ethics
• Critical Analysis of Bioethics, Social Justice, Environmental Stewardship
• Extra Sources:
• "Issues Facing Christians Today" by John Stott
• "Globalizing Justice: The Ethics of Poverty and Power" by Richard W. Miller
4. The Role of the Church in Ethical Formation
• The Church as a Moral Community
• The Church's Social Witness and Ethical Influence
• Extra Sources:
• "The Church and the Kingdom" by Giorgio Agamben
• "Resident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony" by Stanley Hauerwas and William H. Willimon
5. Christian Ethics and Human Rights
• Overview and Definition
• Biblical Foundations and Contemporary Applications
• Extra Sources:
• "Human Rights and the Common Good: Christian Perspectives" by Richard Amesbury
• "Justice in Love" by Nicholas Wolterstorff
6. Christian Virtue and Character Formation
• Theological Virtues and Cardinal Virtues
• The Role of Virtues in Ethical Living
• Extra Sources:
• "After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters" by N.T. Wright
• "The Seven Deadly Virtues: Temptations in Our Pursuit of Goodness" by Todd E. Outcalt
7. The Intersection of Christian Ethics and Secular Ethics
• Common Ground and Points of Tension
• Ethical Engagement with Secular Perspectives
• Extra Sources:
• "Faith and Reason: Searching for a Rational Faith" by Ronald H. Nash
• "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis
8. Ethical Decision-Making and Christian Ethics
• Principles and Frameworks for Ethical Decision-Making
• Case Studies and Practical Applications
• Extra Sources:
• "Decision Making and the Will of God" by Garry Friesen
• "Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics" by Scott B. Rae
9. Christian Ethics and Social Justice
• Biblical Mandate and Key Areas of Social Justice
• Strategies for Ethical Engagement and Advocacy
• Extra Sources:
• "God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It" by Jim Wallis
• "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" by Bryan Stevenson
10. The Role of Christian Ethics in Global Contexts
• Addressing Global Challenges through Christian Ethics
• Ethical Considerations in Technology, Environment, and Public Life
• Extra Sources:
• "Globalization and the Kingdom of God" by Bob Goudzwaard and Craig G. Bartholomew
• "Faith and Globalization: Understanding the Issues" by David Yonggi Cho and R. Timothy Sandoz

Successful students should be able to do the following:

1. Understanding of Ethical Theories and Christian Ethics:
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of major ethical theories and their relevance to Christian ethics.
• Articulate the distinctiveness of Christian ethical perspectives in relation to secular ethical theories.
2. Biblical and Theological Foundations of Ethics:
• Analyze and interpret key biblical texts and theological concepts that inform Christian ethical teachings.
• Apply biblical principles to contemporary ethical issues, demonstrating an integration of scripture and ethics.
3. Critical Engagement with Contemporary Ethical Issues:
• Critically evaluate contemporary ethical issues such as economic inequality, environmental sustainability, human rights, and bioethics from a Christian ethical perspective.
• Develop well-reasoned arguments and responses to these issues, grounded in Christian theology and ethics.
4. Application of Christian Ethics to Global and Cultural Contexts:
• Explore the role of Christianity in addressing global ethical challenges, including cultural diversity, globalization, and international justice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how Christian ethics can be applied in diverse cultural contexts, respecting cultural differences while upholding core ethical principles.
5. Integration of Faith and Ethics in Personal and Public Life:
• Reflect on personal beliefs and behaviors in light of Christian ethical teachings, identifying areas for growth and development.
• Demonstrate the ability to articulate and apply Christian ethics in public life, including issues related to social justice, community involvement, and public policy.
6. Ethical Leadership and Advocacy:
• Develop skills in ethical leadership and advocacy, particularly in relation to promoting justice, peace, and the common good.
• Engage in critical reflection on the role of the Church and individual Christians in advocating for ethical practices and policies in society.
7. Research and Analytical Skills in Ethics:
• Conduct research on complex ethical issues, utilizing theological, philosophical, and interdisciplinary resources.
• Present well-organized and insightful analyses, demonstrating the ability to critically engage with scholarly literature and ethical debates.
8. Commitment to Social Justice and Human Rights:
• Demonstrate a commitment to promoting social justice and human rights, informed by Christian ethical principles.
• Participate in practical initiatives that address issues of injustice, poverty, and inequality, reflecting a lived expression of Christian ethics.

These course outcomes aim to equip students with a deep understanding of Christian ethics, the ability to critically engage with contemporary issues, and the skills to apply ethical principles in personal, public, and global contexts.