The Ethical Life: Loving our Neighbours in Ministry and Beyond (DP2190B)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit equips current and aspiring ministry practitioners with an understanding of Christian ethical approaches and their application in faith and life. The unit introduces students to core theological sources for doing ethics, common ethical approaches, and Christology as a starting point for doing ethics. Students will examine Christian ethics in the contexts of the Christian community, the environment, human relationships, pastoral care, social ethics, and digital culture. Students will also reflect on the place of Christian hope in individual and community ethical decision-making and conduct.

Unit code: DP2190B

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Identify theological sources and principles which may guide an ethical response in ministry and ministry-related situations.
2.

Explain core approaches in Christian ethics.
3.

Articulate the role of Christian communities in developing the ethical lives of individuals and communities.
4.

Apply a framework or set of principles to a situation of ethical decision-making in relationship to a particular community or ethical issue.
5.

Reflect on the role of ethics for individuals engaged in ministry or ministry-related contexts.

Unit sequence

Prerequisite: 18 points in CT or B

Pedagogy

This course will use both asynchronous and synchronous teaching methods. Asynchronous elements include: course notes, require reading, additional readings and other materials (e.g., audio-visual, websites etc.), assessment tasks, online discussion spaces. Synchronous elements include: online tutorials, assessment support.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Birch, Bruce C., Larry L. Rasmussen, Cynthia D. Moe-Lobeda, and Jacqueline E. Lapsley. Bible and Ethics in the Christian Life: A New Conversation. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2018.
  • Clifton, Shane. Crippled Grace: Disability, Virtue Ethics and the Good Life. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2019.
  • De La Torre, Miguel A. Doing Christian Ethics from the Margins. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2023.
  • Deverell, Garry Worete. Contemplating Country: More Gondwana Theology. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2023.
  • Gaines, Timothy R. Christian Ethics. Kansas City, MO: The Foundry Publishing, 2021.
  • Gill, Robin. The Cambridge Companion to Christian Ethics. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012
  • Hughes, Philip J., Lachlan Fraser, and Christian Research Association. Life, Ethics and Faith in Australian Society: Facts and Figures. Nunawading, Vic: Christian Research Association, 2014.
  • Ott, Kate M. Christian Ethics for a Digital Society. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2019.
  • Pallant, Dean. To Be Like Jesus: Christian Ethics for 21st Century Salvation Army. London: Salvation Books, 2019.
  • Roberts, Robert Campbell. Virtue Ethics in Christian Perspective. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2024.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Personal Reflection 500 10.0
Essay 1500 40.0
Case Study 2000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 29 Aug, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-08-29 12:01:45 +1000