HU 414D Ethics

Instructor: Jim Eckman

Semesters: Fall

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.

Required Textbooks 

·         Eckman, James P., Biblical Ethics: Choosing Right in a World Gone Wrong, Crossway Books, March 4, 2004 (ISBN: 1581345720)

·         John S., Paul D., Ethics for a Brave New World, Feinberg, Feinberg, Crossway Books, January 1994 (ISBN: 0891077367)

·         Culture Wars, Hunter, Basic Books; Reprint edition, September 1992 (ISBN: 0465015344)

·         Eckman, James P. The Truth about Worldviews, Crossway Books, September 20, 2004 (ISBN: 1581346727)

Course Schedule

Unit

Topic

Learning Objective

1

Introduction

·         Students will introduce themselves to the class.

·         Given the assigned textual readings, the student will identify the difference between “ethics” and “morals” and articulate the nature of cultural conflict in America.

2

Christians & Culture 1 – Ethical Options, Cultural Conflict

·         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 study, the student will manifest an appreciation for the tension that often accompanies ethical decision-making.

3

Christians & Culture 2 – Culture & History

·         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.

·         Through the case study, the student will reflect actively on the ethical dilemmas posed by espionage and undercover detective work for the Christian.

·         The student will exhibit an understanding of the historical roots of the current cultural conflict within America.

4

Worldviews

·         By completing the worldview chart, the student will demonstrate that only Christianity answers adequately the seven worldview questions.

·         By completing the worldview chart, the student will demonstrate that only Christianity answers adequately the seven worldview questions.

5

Abortion

·         Given the ethical principle of the image of God, the student will show that abortion violates God’s view of prenatal life.

·         Through the case study, the student will seek to resolve the tension of two Christian core values in conflict—the Great Commission and love for family.

·         Given the ethical principle of the image of God, the student will show that abortion violates God’s view of prenatal life.

6

Euthanasia

·         Given the ethical principle of the image of God, the student will construct a model of how to care for the elderly, the terminally ill, etc. through a Christian hospice program (not euthanasia).

·         Through the case study, the student will construct a philosophy of how Christians can appreciate the glory of the human body and not violate conscience.

·         The student will demonstrate that cultural conflict involves a negative and a positive “face.”

7

Bioethics

·         Given the readings on Bioethics (especially genetic and reproductive technologies), the student will develop a set of guiding principles to govern ethical decision-making for these technologies.

·         Through the case study, the student will seek to resolve the tension that results from Christians disagreeing.

·         Given the readings on Bioethics (especially genetic and reproductive technologies), the student will develop a set of guiding principles to govern ethical decision-making for these technologies.

8

Sexuality

·         Given the ethical principles evident in God’s Creation Ordinance (Genesis 2), the student will demonstrate that the boundaries for human sexuality are exclusively within marriage.

·         Through the case study, the student will demonstrate how devious and deceptive behavior can affect honesty and integrity in life.

·         Given the ethical principles evident in God’s Creation Ordinance (Genesis 2), the student will demonstrate that the boundaries for human sexuality are exclusively within marriage.

9

Politics

·         Given God’s creation of and stewardship responsibilities for government, the student will articulate a set principles for Christian involvement in politics and government.

·         Through the case study, the student will evidence a strong position on integrity in leadership.

·         Given those same principles, the student will construct a philosophy of civil disobedience of government when it conflicts with God’s clear commandments.

10

War & Capital Punishment

·         Given the readings on war and capital punishment, the student will articulate a satisfactory position on how a Christian can advocate and support the active killing of an image bearer of God.

·         Through the case study, the student will seek to resolve the tension between the responsibilities of ministry and the responsibilities of parenting.

·         Given the readings on war and capital punishment, the student will articulate a satisfactory position on how a Christian can advocate and support the active killing of an image bearer of God.

11

Work & Race

·         The student will exhibit an understanding of the biblical ethic of work.

·         Through the case study, the student will show how Christians should responsibly respond to persecution.

·         Given the readings, the student will develop a biblical understanding of law and how rule of law is necessary for civilization.

12

Arts & Entertainment

·         Given the readings, the student will exhibit a biblical understanding of creativity and aesthetic appreciation.

·         Through the case study, the student will resolve the tension that often exists between marketing and advertising and honesty and truthfulness.

·         Given the readings, the student will exhibit a biblical understanding of creativity and aesthetic appreciation.

13

Environment

·         The student will show that at the heart of the image of God concept is care for and stewardship of  God’s world (i.e., the environment).

·         Through the case study, the student will resolve the tension between individual expression and responsibility to authority.

·         The student will show that at the heart of the image of God concept is care for and stewardship of  God’s world (i.e., the environment).

14

Final Paper – Peer Review

·         Given the Portfolio Project Peer Review process, the student will exhibit critical thinking and interpersonal relationship skills.

15

Final Linguistics Project and Presentation

·         Given the Portfolio Project Peer Review process, the student will exhibit critical thinking and interpersonal relationship skills.

·         Given the editing and completion of the final paper, the student will exhibit writing and critical thinking skills.