HU 414D: Christian Ethics (3 hrs)

Instructor:           Jim Eckman

                                jeckman@graceu.edu 

Helpdesk:            pchelp@graceu.edu

                                (402) 449-2904

Course Description

Designed to help the student build a Christian world and life view, Biblical and general studies are integrated so that the student can answer current ethical, intellectual, and social questions of the day.

Textbooks

A significant amount of course content is based on the required textbooks. Textbooks are available for purchase from the university bookstore (www.graceu.edu/bookstore).

  • Biblical Ethics: Choosing Right in a World Gone Wrong, Eckman, James P., Crossway Books, March 4, 2004 (ISBN: 1581345720)
  • Ethics for a Brave New World, Feinberg, John S., Paul D. Feinberg, Crossway Books, January 1994 (ISBN: 0891077367)
  • Culture Wars, Hunter, James Davison, Basic Books; Reprint edition, September 1992 (ISBN: 0465015344)
  • The Truth about Worldviews, Eckman, James P., Crossway Books, September 20, 2004 (ISBN: 1581346727)

Technology Requirements

This course requires the latest versions of the software plug-ins or programs listed below. Run a system scan at the Microsoft system requirements site: https://www.microsoftelearning.com/help/systemRequirements.aspx

 

Software

Use

Download

Internet Explorer

Accessing course

http://www.microsoft.com/ie

Flash Player (SWF)

Viewing media

http://www.adobe.com/downloads

Adobe Reader (PDF)

Reading documents

http://www.adobe.com/downloads

Windows Media Player (WMV)

Viewing media

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmedia

Microsoft Office Word (DOC)

Viewing, creating and editing documents (all files are sent in .doc format)

http://www.microsoft.com/office/word

Course Objectives

  • Student will identify the difference between “ethics” and “morals” and articulate the nature of cultural conflict in America.
  • The student will exhibit an understanding of the various options in Ethics and demonstrate the superiority of the “ethical absolutes” position.
  • The student will critically evaluate the two opposite positions that define cultural conflict within America.
  • Through the case studies, the student will manifest an appreciation for the tension that often accompanies ethical decision-making.
  • Given the three models of how Christians relate to culture, the student will demonstrate that a synthesis of all three best describes how Jesus related to culture.
  • The student will exhibit an understanding of the historical roots of the current cultural conflict within America.
  • By completing the worldview chart, the student will demonstrate that only Christianity answers adequately the seven worldview questions.
  • Given the editing and completion of the final paper, the student will exhibit writing and critical thinking skills.

 Class Schedule

Lesson

Topic

Learning Activities

1

Introduction

·         Discussion

2

Christians & Culture: Part I

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

3

Christians & Culture: Part II

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

4

Worldviews

·         Discussion

·         Worldview Chart

5

Abortion

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

6

Euthanasia

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

7

Bioethics

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

8

Sexuality

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

9

Politics

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

10

War; Capital Punishment

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

11

Work; Race

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

12

Arts; Entertainment

·         Discussion

·         Learning Paper

13

Environment

·         Case Study

14

Portfolio Paper: Peer Review

·         Discussion

·         Final Paper Rough Draft

15

Final Paper

·         Final Paper