Module THMN1277: Christian Perspectives on Contemporary Issues

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN1277: Christian Perspectives on Contemporary Issues

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To enable students to explore different Christian perspectives on contemporary social issues.
• To provide an opportunity for students to consider how to reflect theologically on contemporary ethical and social issues at an introductory level (e.g. conflict, relationships, inter-faith relations, sexuality, disasters, etc.).
• To enable students to connect with a range of resources on common contemporary social issues and understand different rationales for diverse positions on these issues, including those for the formal position held by their own church denomination.
• To enable students to explore their own convictions on some of these issues and consider what the relationship should be between our own convictions and those of others.
• To enable students to critically consider the implications of diverse Christian perspectives for different forms of Christian ministry (e.g. in preaching/educational work/practical action, etc.).

Content

• An introduction to tackling difficult and controversial contemporary issues using practical theological approaches.
• Critical consideration of different approaches for relating the Christian faith to contemporary personal, ethical, social and political issues.
• Using a range of examples to explore potential approaches and model applications to issues in particular contexts.
• Consideration of the impact of diverse perspectives on contemporary social issues within the Christian Church, including the effects of different ways of handling these diverse perspectives.
• Taking into account educational and pastoral implications when engaging in ministry relating to these issues.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module student will be able to:
• Show an understanding of different ways that Christians apply their faith to contemporary issues.
• Demonstrate an awareness of different Christian understandings of human experience.

• Show an understanding of the impact of different ethical and theological understandings on particular situations in everyday life.
• Reflect theologically on their own understandings concerning the relationship between the Christian faith and issues encountered in everyday life.
• Critically consider different Christian perspectives on contemporary issues.

• Enable others to engage in learning about these issues; e.g. through preaching, group work and/or informal education.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Interactive lectures in a seminar style will include presentations and group discussions. These will enable students to be introduced to helpful material whilst engaging participatively in dialogue over different perspectives on particular issues, within a facilitated environment that helps them to learn from each other in the process. 20 hours contact time

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

A 10 minute presentation which describes different Christian perspectives on one contemporary social issue and shows how these might be communicated effectively and with integrity to others. This should be accompanied by a handout (maximum 2 sides of A4) which summarises the presentation.