Christian Social Ethics

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course explores the responses of the Christian Churches to social challenges and dilemmas. It will explore the background and emergence of traditions in Christian Social Ethics as well as a range of historical, thematic and methodological approaches. Contributions from Catholic and Protestant thinkers and communities will feature, including examples of the radical Christian tradition. Methods and approaches encountered will include, for example, Catholic Social Teaching, liberation theology and public theology. Throughout the course particular moral dilemmas and case studies will be engaged with – both historical and contemporary. The course will also introduce students to a range of issues and challenges concerning the relationship between Christian churches and the wider ‘world’, including civil, secular and pluralist societies. Social issues explored may include wealth and poverty, war and peace, bioethical dilemmas (such as beginning and end of life issues), race and social exclusion, globalization, migration, and advances in genetic technology.