The Ethical Life: Loving our Neighbours in Ministry and Beyond (DP9190B)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

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

Unit code: DP9190B

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Evaluate theological sources and principles that may guide an ethical response in complex ministry and ministry-related situations.
2.

Analyse and compare core approaches in Christian ethics.
3.

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

Develop and apply a coherent theological ethical framework to a situation of ethical decision-making in relationship to a particular community or ethical issue.
5.

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

Unit sequence

Prerequisite: 48 points, including 24 points in CT

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

  • 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. 3rd ed. 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.
  • Messer, Neil. SCM Studyguide to Christian Ethics. London: SCM, 2006.
  • 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.
  • Benson, David, Kara Martin, and Andrew Sloane. Transforming Vocation: Connecting Theology, Church, and the Workplace for a Flourishing World. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2021.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Personal Reflection 1000 10.0
Essay 2500 40.0
Case Study 4000 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 12:01:57 +1000