Practical Christian Ethics

Online: March 8 – May 3, 2021

Videoconferences: 
Monday, March 15, 8-9:30pm
Monday, March 29, 8-9:30pm
Saturday, April 10, 8-9:30am
Monday, April 26, 8-9:30pm

What do you say to a young woman and her parents when they come to you for counseling about an unplanned pregnancy?
Are there theological resources that either prohibit or support euthanasia?
What does the Christian tradition say about war?
What does the command to “love the neighbor” look like in a diverse and pluralistic society?
What is the role of the church in local, national, or global politics?
The SFF’s course in ‘Practical Christian Ethics’ opens up these questions and more.  Instructor James Foster will introduce you to ethical theories, and help participants consider models of responsibility and obligation according to the Christian theological tradition.

This formation experience will engage the tradition of Christian theological reflection on human action. We will explore Christian ideals of conduct, character, and community, with particular attention to their practical significance.  We will focus on the life of the church as well as the role of religion in public life. We will give special attention to the ways that Christian beliefs and practices interact with systemic social and ecological problems, particularly racism, sexism, heterosexism, and classism. This course is an invitation to cultivate an ethical style.

Dr. James Foster

Instructor: Dr. James Foster, Associate Professor, University of Sioux Falls

Course Materials:

  • Robin Lovin, Introduction to Christian Ethics (Abingdon, 2011)
  • Articles/Documents posted on Moodle.
Register here.