AC

Alphacrucis College

Details for Personal and Public Ethics.

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: THE203
  • Credit points: 10

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites:

The unit Personal and Public Ethics. is part of the subject area Theology and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Applied Theology (Korean) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)), Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This unit is designed to explore theological and philosophical bases of ethical decision making, and to facilitate guided reflection on personal morality and societal ethical issues.

Subject Content

  1. Foundations of ethical inquiry: ethics as a discipline, its nature and function
  2. Using the Bible in ethics: methodological issues involved in moving from Scripture to ethical issues in the modern world
  3. Ethical theories: including utilitarianism, absolutism, situationalism and virtue ethics
  4. Individual decision-making based on ethical theory and considering the role of conscience
  5. Contemporary ethical issues, including sexual morality, nationalism, wealth and poverty, abortion and euthanasia, bio-ethics
  6. Seminar: Ethical Issues arising in the specific context of the student’s discipline (pastoral ministry, counselling, creative arts, communications, business etc.)

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, guided reading, web-based interaction, and seminar presentations on key ethical issues

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

Assessment Methods

Major Essay (50%, 2500 words); Group Project (30%, 1500 words); Forum Postings (20%, 2500 words)

Prescribed Text

Rae, Scott B. Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zonderban, 2009

Representative References