ET501: Christian Ethics with Dr. John Jefferson Davis

1 of 6 3/19/2013 2:42 PM Syllabus: ET501 ET501: Christian Ethics with Dr. John Jefferson Davis Table of Contents Snapshot of Course Requirements Course Requirements Required Reading Examinations Application Papers Submitting Assignments Interactivity Grading Application Paper Topics Course Outline Snapshot of Course Requirements ET501 requires timely completion of the following five course requirements: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Required Reading (10% of your grade) Two exams (40% of your grade, midterm 20%; final 20%) Application Papers (50% of your grade, on 5 topics) Interactivity (required for course grade to be submitted to registration office) Course Checkout/Reading Report (after you have finished all course requirements above) Course Requirements Please Note: In the case of discrepancies between the course requirements mentioned in the audio material and the requirements given in the syllabus, the syllabus takes precedence. It is highly recommended that you do not take your midterm and final exam at one time. Doing so will not allow you to benefit from the feedback of the instructor. Required Reading Please indicate the percentage of the required reading that you have completed by the course due date by recording this number on the Course Checkout/Reading Report along with a list of your additional reading. Keep in mind that the assigned readings are designed to insure that you read the entire text, so you will often be reading about more than just the subject of that lecture. Supplemental reading and number of pages read (must total 350 pages) should also be submitted in bibliographic form with required application papers. Required Textbooks: Adams, Jay E., Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible (Zondervan Publishing House, 1986) ISBN-13: 978-0310511113 Davis, John Jefferson, Evangelical Ethics: Issues Facing the Church Today, 3rd edition (Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., 1993) ISBN-13: 978-0875526225 Kreeft, Peter, Back to Virtue: Traditional Moral Wisdom for Modern Moral Confusion (Ignatius Press, 1992) ISBN-13: 978-0898704228 Bockmuehl, Klaus, The Christian Way of Living: An Ethics of the Ten Commandments (Regent College Press, 1994) ISBN-13: 978-1573830232

2 of 6 3/19/2013 2:42 PM Examination Two examinations (unmarked, non-study Bible allowed, no notes or books) will be given during the course which will involve responding to four short essay questions and to two long essay questions. Some of the questions on the exam will be taken directly from the Focus and Develop questions found in the individual lectures. Students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge of lectures, reading, and relevant scriptural texts. Click here for a selective answer key (also available under "Resources"). Each exam will also include two passages of Scripture memorization. Midterm: Final: Lectures 1-6 Assigned reading Scripture memory assignment: Ten Commandments (either full passage or short form) Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-12) Lectures 7-10 Assigned reading Scripture memory assignment: 1 Cor. 13:4-13 (description of Christian Love) Gal. 5:22-25 (fruit of the Spirit) There are two ways you may take an exam for this course: 1. 2. Electronically (preferred method): To take an exam electronically, click "Tests & Quizzes" on the left menu (under Project Tools). Select the exam you plan to take. You must provide proctor information (including your proctor's email address) to the Semlink office prior to taking your exam. You cannot login to and/or take an exam without a proctor present. Before taking your exam, your proctor will review important information with you and will then log you into the exam when you are ready to begin. Your proctor must remain present throughout the duration of the exam. You may use your own computer (e.g. a laptop) or a computer provided by your proctor. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection. This format allows you to type your essay responses directly into Sakai. Paper-based Exam: To take your exam by paper, click "Tests & Quizzes" on the left menu (under Project Tools). Select the exam you plan to take (it will include "paper exam" in the title). The exam will be available in PDF format. You will need to provide proctor information in order to access your exam (including your proctor's email address). Your proctor will need to print your exam, and preferably have access to a scanner to submit your exam. When you have completed your exam, your proctor may either 1) scan and upload your exam to Sakai, 2) email a scanned copy to the Semlink office; 3) mail to the address provided. If you plan to take an exam in one of the GCTS libraries, you do not need to request your exam through the Semlink office. You may take the exam any time provided the library is open and able to accommodate your request. Library computers can be used to take the exam, but are limited and not always available at all times of day. Use of your own laptop computer is highly recommend. Check with the library also for special summer and holiday hours, or other changes to their schedule that may affect your ability to take your exam. Boston/CUME, Charlotte, and Jacksonville students may need to contact the library to set up a time to take an exam. Application Papers Students may choose to focus application papers on any of five different course topics of their choice, completing either the Personal Position Abstract or Interaction Exercise for that topic in the Apply section of the workbook. The five application papers must include at least one Interaction Exercise in which a personal interview is conducted and at least one additional Interaction Exercise of the student s choice. Remaining application papers may be either Personal Position Abstracts or Interaction Exercises of the student s choice. Papers should be 1-2 pages in length, typed, and double-spaced. Completed application papers should be submitted together as a unit to the Semlink office by the course due date. You may submit your papers electronically through Drop Box (see below). Please include a full heading on each paper, including your name, course, and date.

3 of 6 3/19/2013 2:42 PM Submitting Assignments Assignments can be submitted electronically through the Drop Box tool in Sakai. On the left menu, under "Project Tools," select "Drop Box." To add a file, click Add and upload from there. Some guidelines for this process: Paper submissions should be in either.doc,.docx or.pdf format. Submitting your work through drop box is considered a formal (and final) submission. Nothing further will be needed on your part. All submissions are time/date stamped and will be retrieved by the Semlink office and routed to your professor for grading. Assignments may be returned to you electronically, in most cases through your Sakai drop box or via email. If your assignment was graded by hand, it will be scanned and delivered to you as a PDF file. Remember to use a full heading, including your name, professor, course, and date. Please let the Semlink office know if you have any further questions about electronic submission. semlink@gordonconwell.edu or 978-646-4144. Interactivity As a member of the Association of Theological Schools, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary recognizes the value of interactivity in distance learning and complies with the standards for accreditation set by ATS which include interactivity as a compulsory component of any distance learning program that wishes to continue granting credit for its courses. The purpose of Semlink interactivity is to enhance learning by providing an online environment for students to engage meaningfully and substantively with professors, teaching fellows, and other students in order to achieve an enriching and academically challenging distance learning experience. There are two interactivity requirements for this course: 1. 2. An online discussion forum: converse with other students and with instructors on the Semlink forum. You are required to participate four (4) times in the discussions relating to your area of study. To ensure successful completion of this requirement, please complete your participation in the discussion forums at least one week prior to your course due date. This will allow sufficient time for you to resubmit any responses if necessary. Email-based conversation with your Semlink teaching fellow. You are required to email a total of three (3) times, including your original response to the conversation starter. Please allow a minimum of one month to complete this conversation to allow time for the teaching fellow to respond. Allow five business days for a response to each of your submissions. To begin your interactivity (and for more details about this requirement), see the Interactivity section under Modules. This section will explain in more detail what is expected for this requirement. If you fail to complete the interactivity requirements, you will fail your course. Grading Your final grade for the course will be computed on the following basis: Midterm Exam 20% Final Exam 20% Application Papers 50% (5 papers, 10% each) Reading 10% Interaction Completion Required Application Paper Topics You must complete five application papers, each on a different course topic. At least two of these must be Interaction Exercises, including one personal interview Topic Choice of Exercise

4 of 6 3/19/2013 2:42 PM Topic Introduction to Ethics Approaches to Moral Conflict Sexual Ethics and Birth Control Family Size Abortion Homosexuality Legislating Morality Choice of Exercise Personal Position Abstract: Reflect on the reasons why you have chosen to pursue this study of Christian ethics. How have you confronted ethical issues in your life and ministry to this point, and what expectations and goals do you have as you begin this guided examination of issues in Christian ethics? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read. Interaction Exercise: Read your local Sunday newspaper and select two articles which illustrate ethical issues. Write a 1-2 page summary in which you evaluate the ethical structures which inform the viewpoints in each article (deontological, teleological, utilitarian), and explain why you agree or disagree with the ethical conclusions of each article. Please include a copy of each article with your paper. Interaction Exercise: View the film The Hiding Place (available from the GCTS Media Center or local video stores), the true life account of Corrie Ten Boom, who was imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp for providing refuge to persecuted Jews during World War II. Write a 1-2 page personal response to the film, incorporating your understanding of ethical conflict and the teachings of Scripture. Personal Position Abstract: What are your conclusions with regard to the use and methods of birth control and the ethics of sexual purity? What resources and/or personal experiences have led you to these conclusions? How will your understanding of these issues impact your life and ministry in the future? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read. Interaction Exercise: Interview a local high school administrator, teacher, or student, focusing on the school s curriculum for health issues, sex education, and AIDS awareness. Write a 1-2 page summary of your conversation, including an evaluation of the program described and your personal response to the issues and conclusions presented in the interview. Personal Position Abstract: What are your conclusions with regard to world population and family size? What resources and/or personal experiences have led you to these conclusions? How will your understanding of these issues impact your life, work, and ministry in the future? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read. Interaction Exercise: Interview a family with three or more children. What factors led them to choose a larger than average family? Did Scripture, personal background, or current concerns about world population influence their decisions? What problems and issues have confronted them as parents? What advice would they give others? How did this interview affect your attitude or understanding, if at all? Personal Position Abstract: What are your conclusions with regard to abortion? What resources and/or personal experiences have led you to these conclusions? How will your understanding of this issue impact your life and ministry in the future? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read. Interaction Exercise: Interview a person who has been personally affected by the issue of abortion (crisis pregnancy center counselor, pastor, local support group leader, etc.). Write a 1-2 page summary of your conversation and your personal response to the issues and conclusions presented in the interview. Personal Position Abstract: What are your conclusions with regard to homosexuality? What resources and/or personal experiences have led you to these conclusions? How will your understanding of this issue impact you both individually and in your work and ministry in the future? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read. Interaction Exercise: Read the case study Anthony Comes Home From College (also available under "Resources"). Write a 1-2 page personal response to this case, including an evaluation of the main issues to be considered, presentation of relevant biblical guidelines, and reflection on what your response would be if Anthony were to approach you for counsel in his situation. Personal Position Abstract: What are your conclusions with regard to legislating morality in a pluralistic society? What resources and/or personal experiences have led you to these conclusions? How will your understanding of ethical conflict and legislating morality impact your life and ministry in the future? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read.

5 of 6 3/19/2013 2:42 PM Topic Divorce and Remarriage Treatment of the Terminally Ill Civil Disobedience War and Peace Capital Punishment Environmental Ethics Choice of Exercise Personal Position Abstract: What are your conclusions with regard to divorce and remarriage? What resources and/or personal experiences have led you to these conclusions? How will your understanding of these issues impact your life, work, and ministry in the future? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read. Interaction Exercise: Describe a case of divorce and remarriage from your own circle of friends, church, or extended family. (Change the names to protect personal privacy.) What issues led to the breakdown of the relationship? What forms of help or counsel did the couple receive? What counsel might you have given? How would basic biblical teachings have been applicable in this case? Personal Position Abstract: What are your conclusions with regard to termination of medical treatment, assisted suicide, and euthenasia? What resources and/or personal experiences have led you to theseconclusions? How will your understanding of these issues impact your life and ministry in the future? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read. Interaction Exercise: Interview a person who has been personally affected by the issue of termination of medical treatment (doctor, nurse, pastor, nursing home aid, etc.). Write a 1-2 page summary of your conversation including your personal response to the issues and conclusions presented in the interview. Personal Position Abstract: What are you conclusions with regard to civil disobedience? What resources and/or personal experiences have led you to these conclusions? How will your understanding of this issue impact you both individually and in your work and ministry in the future? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read. Interaction Exercise: Interview a person who has been personally involved in the issue of civil rights (participant in Operation Rescue, the civil rights movement, etc.). Write a 1-2 page summary of your conversation including your personal response to the issues and conclusions presented in the interview. Personal Position Abstract: What are your conclusions with regard to just war and pacifism? What resources and/or personal experiences have led you to these conclusions? How will your understanding of these issues impact your life and ministry in the future? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read. Interaction Exercise: Research the media coverage of the Vietnam War or the Persian Gulf War (newspapers, magazines, etc.) focusing on the purposes and goals of American involvement in this military action. Write a 1-2 page summary in which you evaluate your findings against Just War criteria and present your response to the issues and conclusions raised in your research. Include copies of selected relevant articles with your paper. Personal Position Abstract: What are your conclusions with regard to capital punishment? What resources and/or personal experienceshave led you to these conclusions? How will your understanding of this issue impact your life and ministry in the future? Include a bibliography of supplemental reading and number of pages read. Interaction Exercise: View Fatal Addiction, Dr. James Dobson s final interview with Ted Bundy before Bundy was put to death in a Florida prison. Write a 1-2 page response to the video, incorporating your conclusions on the issue of capital punishment, relevant biblical teachings, and your personal reaction to this dramatic case. Personal Position Abstract: How would you apply some of the biblical insights relating to environmental stewardship in your own family setting, church, or community? What changes in your own lifestyle might be involved? Give specific examples of changes or activities that might follow. Interaction Exercise: Read the Sunday paper for several weeks and select two articles that deal with environmental issues. In a 1-2 page summary, evaluate how the articles relate the issue to ethical principles. Is there any awareness of religious values or specifically Christian points of view? Include copies of the articles with your paper.

6 of 6 3/19/2013 2:42 PM Course Outline Section Topics Required Assignments 1 Introduction to Ethics Bockmuel, Introduction 2 Introduction to Ethics (continued) 3 4 5 6 Introduction to Ethics (concluded); Premarital Sex Premarital Sex (continued); Birth Control Birth Control (continued); Family Size; In Vitro Fertilization; Abortion Abortion (continued); Homosexuality 7 Legislating Morality in a Pluralistic Society 8 9 10 Legislating Morality (continued); Divorce and Remarriage Divorce and Remarriage (continued); Treatment of Terminally Ill; Civil Disobedience Civil Disobedience (continued); War and Peace; Capital Punishment; Evironmental Ethics Davis, Chapter 1 Bockmuehl, pp 7-28 Davis, Chapter 2 Bockmuehl, pp 29-58 Davis, Chapter 3 Davis, Chapter 6 Bockmuehl, pp 59-78 Davis, Chapter 5 Take Midterm Exam Kreeft, Chapters 1-8 Bockmuehl, pp 79-102 Davis, Chapter 4 Adams Davis, Chapters 7 and 9 Kreeft, Chapters 9-11 Bockmuehl, pp 103-116 Davis, Chapters 8 and 10 Kreeft, Chapters 12-14 Bockmuehl, pp 117-136 Take Final Exam Turn in Application Papers