THEO 650 Public Theology

A study of the role and practice of Christian ministry in responding to ethical challenges presented by cultural developments in the contemporary world.

Christian today face ethical challenges and questions that could not have been imagined even a few years ago. Congregations look to their leadership for informed guidance on a host of ethical issues. It is important for ministers in every area of church life to be able to use the Bible accurately and clearly in teaching and preaching on ethical issues. In addition, Christian leaders face personal ethical challenges. A course of this kind helps students develop a more intentional lifestyle of obedience.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

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Course Requirements Checklist

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Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Students will participate in three Discussions. Topics will be drawn from the reading assignments. Students will post an original thread of 400 words or more. In their original thread, students are expected to use course material, scriptural references, and extra-course material to substantiate the thesis of their post. They must reply to at least two peers’ threads in 200 words or more. (CLOs: C, D, E)

Reflection Essay Assignments (2)

Students will write two brief reflection essays (three pages each) the first due in Module 4: Week 4 and the second due in Module 8: Week 8. The purpose of these essays is to measure your account of the reading and your ability to offer personal insights reflecting apprehension of the issues at hand. (CLOs: C D, E).

Christianity and the State: You will then write a 3-page essay outlining the main issues from the reading and where you stand personally, outlining the duty and dangers that face Christians when considering the relationship between the sacred and the secular, the gospel and politics.

Billy Graham’s America: You will write a 3-page essay outlining the various public and Christian arenas in which Billy Graham ministered. Note the lines he transcended, politically, personally, racially, and religiously. 

Research Paper Assignments (3)

Students will write a research paper on a selected topic (choose from the topic list provided in Course Content, and narrow the topic down as necessary). The paper must be 3500-5000 words  long,  and use the Bible appropriately,  along with at least 10 additional high quality sources.  Church websites are not appropriate for this assignment and Journal Articles must be used only sparingly (no more than two).  Websites of official organizations related to the topic, or government agencies and educational institutions, (such as abortion opponent groups,  and advocates) may be used for factual information and statistics. Sensational type advocacy sites, sites that polemicize on the matter, must be avoided). Course texts should not be used in this assignment. The paper must follow Turabian and School of Divinity guidelines as to formatting, style, grammar, and graduate quality of work.

The paper will be produced in three stages:

• Topic, Thesis, and Preliminary Bibliography Assignment
• Abstract, Outline, and Bibliography Assignment
• Final Assignment (CLOs: C, D, E).

Quiz

The quiz will consist of 30 true/false and multiple choice type questions and one essay type question. (The objective questions will be worth 1.5 points each and the essay question will be worth 5 points). Students will have two hours to finish each open-book/open-notes quiz. On many questions students will have to choose the best answer from a series of possible answers. Exams will cover the reading assignments and presentations from the previous two weeks. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)