Program Overview

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THL326 Theological Ethics

This subject explores the connections between Christian theology and practice, philosophical and theological ethics, and ethical discernment in contemporary society. It examines the biblical, theological, ecclesial, philosophical, and scientific resources for Christian ethical reflection and action. Distinctive features of Christian ethical reflection, moral judgements, and moral practices are surveyed from various theological and historical perspectives. The subject also considers a range of ethical issues from areas such as politics, economics, war, the environment, medicine, and sexuality.

Subject Outlines

The subject outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

The subject is available in:

• Session 2 (60)
• On Campus: Canberra Campus
• Online: Canberra Campus

Continuing Students

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL326. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Assumed Knowledge

THL111, THL113, and TH215

Incompatible Subjects

THL224

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to give a critical account of the theoretical nature of theological ethics
• be able to identify and reflect critically upon the central biblical, theological, and ecclesial resources for Christian ethical discernment and action
• be able to demonstrate familiarity with philosophical and scientific resources for Christian ethics
• be able to identify the main features of the Christian tradition of moral and ethical argument
• be able to apply the resources of Christian theology and ethical thought to a range of contemporary issues, and reflect critically on their own ethical judgements
• be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing, and communication skills

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Is there a Christian ethic? Topics will include: the nature of theological ethics; the formation of the moral self, including the relationship between ethics and spirituality; and ethics, practice, and Christian community
• Sources of theological ethics in the Christian tradition, including:
  • Scripture
  • ecclesial community and practice (including liturgical practices, tradition)
  • philosophical theories of ethics and their relationship to Christian approaches
  • the role of the empirical sciences
• Discerning a Christian ethic in the contemporary world, including topics from the following areas:
  • politics, public theology
  • biotechnology and medicine, conceptions of the human person
  • war, violence, evil, and suffering
  • the environment, justice, and consumption
  • sexuality