Content

This unit examines selected biblical texts on the themes of poverty, wealth, justice and compassion as a way of exploring Christian responses to the needs of marginalised people in a globalised world. It will examine the situations of the global poor, refugees and asylum seekers, and analyse the implications of climate change on vulnerable communities. It will introduce the themes of power, trade, debt, gender, advocacy, creation care, and the role of NGOs. There will be a focus on the potential of the church as an agent of transformation, with particular reference to a current advocacy campaign. The unit is jointly offered by Whitley College, Melbourne School of Theology, Stirling College (formerly Churches of Christ Theological College) and Eastern College Australia in association with TEAR Australia.

Unit code: DM9031W

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Missiology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Explain important dimensions of the needs of the global marginalised;

2.

Articulate an integral mission response to such needs and outline the theological convictions that inform such a response;

3.

Describe strategies for the mobilisation of the local church in integral mission;

4.

Develop an educational resource designed to both inform and motivate the local church in integral mission; and

5.

Critically evaluate the impact of the micah mandate in addressing global development needs.

Pedagogy

Face-to-face 5 day intensive involves lectures, simulation exercise and interaction with a range of integral mission practitioners.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Fowler, Alan F. Striking a Balance: A Guide to Enhancing the Effectiveness of Non- Governmental Organisations in International Development. London: Earthscan, 1997.
  • Grant, Jamie A. and Hughes, Dewi A. (eds). Transforming the World? The Gospel and Social Responsibility. Nottingham: Intervarsity Press, 2009.
  • Groody, Daniel G.* Globalisation, Spirituality and Justice: Navigating the Path to Peace*. Maryknoll: Orbis, 2007.
  • Ife, Jim. Community Development in an Uncertain World: Vision, Analysis and Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2013.
  • Maggay, Melba Padilla. Transforming Society. 2nd ed. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2010.
  • Myers, Bryant L. Walking with the Poor: Principles and Practices of Transformational Development. 2nd ed. Maryknoll: Orbis, 2014. (recommended for purchase)
  • Mitchell, Bob. Faith-Based Development: How Christian Organisations can Make a Difference. Maryknoll: Orbis. 2017.
  • Stiglitz, Joseph E. Making Globalization Work. London: W W Norton, 2006.
  • Toly, Noah J. & Block, Daniel I (eds). Keeping God’s Earth: The Global Environment in Biblical Perspective. Downers Grove & Nottingham: InterVarsity Press. 2010.
  • Wolterstorff, Nicholas P. Journey Toward Justice: Personal Encounters in the Global South. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. 2013
  • Wright, Christopher J H. The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 2010.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay (3000 words)

3000 45.0
Book Review

Book Review (1500 words)

1500 25.0
Learning Resource

Creating an education resource (1500 words)

1500 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-09 17:31:10 +1100