COURSE DESCRIPTION: Participants will reflect on the implications of the Ten Commandments for contemporary life. They will be introduced to concepts and systems by which the Christian tradition has taught personal and public morality, for example, the “Deadly Sins” and “Cardinal Virtues,” the “Just War” theory vs. Christian Pacifism, human nature and human sinfulness, and Luther’s “Two Kingdoms” theology. The course provides opportunity for disciplined reflection on vexing ethical issues such as sexual ethics, sanctity of life, political witness, and economic justice.
COURSE PURPOSE: To gain an understanding of the complexity of ethical issues from a Christian perspective. In particular, attention will be paid to the ELCA social statements regarding ethical issues in contemporary culture.