Last update: Mgr. Jan Zámečník, Ph.D. (31.05.2023)
This seminar will introduce students to the basic themes and values of Christian ethics, such as the significance of Scripture for moral reasoning, the question of virtue, love, and justice. The starting point for interpretation and discussion will be the first part of the second, revised edition of Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context by American theologians David P. Gushee and Glenn Stassen. This work introduces the basics of Christian ethics in an accessible way and serves as a textbook for the seminar. However, it is not merely a general description of particular topics, but reflects the specific approach of both authors to ethical issues. The last three sessions of the seminar are devoted to three key moral issues as selected by the seminar participants.
Aim of the course
Last update: Mgr. Jan Zámečník, Ph.D. (31.05.2023)
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
(1) approach primary and secondary literature in a more critical manner and consider texts in a broader ethical context;
(2) comprehend the material of the course, analyze its general structure, logical coherence, and historical significance in the context of other related issues and thinkers;
(3) articulate that comprehension and analysis in oral communication;
(4) express that knowledge in writing that is materially adequate, logically coherent, and clearly communicated, with appropriate analyses, insights, and persuasiveness.
Literature
Last update: Mgr. Jan Zámečník, Ph.D. (31.05.2023)
GUSHEE, David P. a Glen Harold STASSEN. Kingdom ethics: following Jesus in contemporary context. Second edition. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2016, xxiii, 526 pages. ISBN 978-0-8028-7611-9.
Syllabus
Last update: Mgr. Jan Zámečník, Ph.D. (31.05.2023)
16. 2.
introduction
23. 2.
chapter I. (Jesus Began to Proclaim /The Reign of God/), p. 3-20
2. 3.
chapter II. (Blessed are You /Virtues of Kingdom People/), p. 21-42
9. 3.
chapter III. (Law And Prophets /Authority and Scripture), p. 43-63
16. 3.
chapter IV. (Moral Structure in the World /The Form and Function of Moral Norms/), p. 64-85
23. 3.
chapter V. (Doing, Not Dualism /The Transforming Initiatives of the Sermont on the Mount/), p. 86-106
30. 3.
chapter VI. (The Greatest Commandment /Love/), p. 107-125
20. 4.
chapter VII. (Weightier Matters of the Law /Justice/), p. 126-148
27. 4.
chapter VIII. (So Much Value /The Sacredness of Life/), p. 149-168
4. 5.
chapter IX. (Extracting Logs, Examining Fruits /Learning to Be Faithful/), p. 169-189
11. 5.
chapter ? (Core Moral Issue 1)
18. 5.
chapter ? (Core Moral Issue 2)
25. 5.
chapter ? (Core Moral Issue 3)
Course completion requirements
Last update: Mgr. Jan Zámečník, Ph.D. (31.05.2023)
Students are required to:
(1) read the assignment for each class and actively participate in the discussion;
(2) attend classes regularly - they should not be absent more than three times (in the case of more than three absences, the student will be required to prepare an additional paper on a selected topic in order to successfully complete the seminar);
(4) prepare at least once a short introductory summary of the assigned material for the class (approximately 5-10 minutes).
(5) (applies only to those who need 6 credits): write a research seminar paper of 2500-5000 words on a topic related to the readings and issues of the course. The topic must be approved by the instructor of the course in advance and cannot be changed without the instructor’s approval. The paper must be clearly and logically structured and include a treatment of selected secondary literature; deadline for submission is 30/6/2023.
