Attention is given to the role of the church in creating a new vision and possibility for society. This course is a study in the development of Christian ethics with emphasis upon the ways in which the decision-making process of the church is shaped both by theology and by human and social sciences. A seminar which studies the foundations of clergy ethics in American culture and which attends to issues of clergy conduct and character in contemporary church and society. The need for responsible decision-making about life and death in the area of biomedical ethics forms the approach for this course as students analyze principles by which to address some of the life and death issues facing individuals, families, and society. This course addresses Jewish-Christian relationships, paying attention to such matters as interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures, the diversity of Judaism, Jewish rituals and customs, the State of Israel, the Middle East and holocaust studies.
Students learn about selected world religions and the way of life each offers.
Then they explore how Christians might be in dialogue with their practitioners. As ecumenical and interfaith movements are closely examined, this class also looks at its own ecumenical dimensions and each participant's ecumenical theology, defining leadership styles and goals within local congregations.