Online · School of Divinity · Theological Studies
Public Theology
THEO-650
Spring D 2023 Section D05 03/20/2023 to 05/12/2023 Modified 03/08/2023
Contact
Information
See detailed faculty information in Canvas.
Course Description
A study of the role and practice of Christian testimony and ministry in responding to ethical challenges presented by cultural developments
in the contemporary world.
Requisites
Prerequisite
THEO 525 or THEO 530
Rationale
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.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A. Distinguish between different kinds of ethical decision making systems.
B. Evaluate ethical systems in light of the Bible.
C. Apply biblical ethical teachings to modern ethical issues.
D. Discuss ethical issues in ways that facilitate understanding of them.
E. Identify practical steps for developing a Christian lifestyle based on a biblical understanding of ethics.
Course Resources
Required Resources
The resources below are provided in the course at no cost to the student.
McLaughlin, Rebecca. Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2019.
McQuilkin, Robert & Copan, Paul. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the Way of Wisdom. Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic,
2013.
Wilson, Todd & Hiestand, Gerald (Eds). Becoming A Pastor Theologian: New Possibilities for Church Leadership. Illinois: IVP
Academic, 2016.
Vanhoozer, Kevin J. & Strachan, Owen. The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker
Academic, 2015.
Disclaimer: The above resources provide information consistent with the latest research regarding the subject area. Liberty University does
not necessarily endorse specific personal, religious, philosophical, or political positions found in these resources.
Additional Materials for Learning
A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
B. Internet access (broadband recommended)
C. Canvas recommended browsers (https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-the-browser-and-
computer-requirements-for-Canvas/ta-p/66)
D. Microsoft Word
E. Interactive Turabian-Based Writing Guide (https://rise.articulate.com/share/er1g36fWyDNZkE3q1GA6CLbk3rQSmUiQ#/%20)
Course Assignments
Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes Course
Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations (https://www.liberty.edu/institutional-effectiveness/student- expectations/),
the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
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)
Course Grading
Course Requirements Checklist
10
Discussions (3 at 100 pts ea)
300
Reflection Essay Assignments (2 at 100 pts ea)
200
Research Paper: Topic, Thesis, and Preliminary
Bibliography Assignment
50
Research Paper: Abstract, Outline, and Bibliography
Assignment
100
Research Paper: Final Assignment
300
Quiz
50
Total
1010
Course Policies
Extra Credit
No additional “for credit” assignments will be permitted beyond those given in the course requirements stated above.
Course Changes
Course requirements are subject to change by the administration of the University at any time with appropriate notice.
Policies
Late Assignment Policy
Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.
If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email.
Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:
1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.
2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.
3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special circumstances
(e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.
4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date
which will be re
v
iewed on a Outside of special circumstances (e g death in the family significant personal health issues)
,
case-by-case basis by the instructor.
Disability Assistance
Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online
Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu for accommodations. Such accommodations
require appropriate documentation of your condition. For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process,
including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation- support/
(https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/). Requests for accommodations not related to disabilities or
pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.
If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or
the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at equityandcompliance@liberty.edu. Click to see a full
copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy
(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Liberty+University+Discrimination,+Harassment,+and+Sexual+Misconduct+Policy) or
the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures (https://www.liberty.edu/disability-support/wp-
content/uploads/sites/106/2022/01/Disability-Grievance-Procedures.pdf).
Course Attendance
In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any
submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects,
any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information
regarding the attendance policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Online+Attendance+and+Non-Attendance) can be found in the
Academic Course Catalogs (https://www.liberty.edu/academics/course-catalogs/). Regular attendance in online courses is expected
throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a required academic
assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion post, or other
academic activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged to contact
Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the semester
cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for Non- Attendance
(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Unofficial+Withdrawals)). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the official start date
should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.
Grading Scale
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F
940-
920-
900-
860-
840-
820-
780-
760-
740-
700-
680-
679
1010
939
919
899
859
839
819
779
759
739
699
and
below
For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment
requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.
Add/Drop Policy
The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory
(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Dropping+and+Adding+Online+Classes).
Honor Code
Liberty University comprises a network of students, Alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian community
based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the Code of Honor.
These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university culture, which
remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable environment
within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the goal of
fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.
Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our
Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two
essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.
While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our
students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.
Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty
community.
The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/
(https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/).
Additional Items
Program Learning Outcomes for THEO 650
THEO 650 supports the following academic programs in the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity:
Master of Divinity
MA (Christian Apologetics)
The program learning outcomes for this program are listed with the program in the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Graduate
Catalog. This course is related to at least one of the program learning outcomes listed for each of these programs and contributes to
your success in acquiring the knowledge and skills that are described. Here is the link to the catalog page where this information can be
found:
John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Graduate Catalog (https://www.liberty.edu/academics/course-catalogs/)
Schedule
When
Topic
Notes
Course Overview
Student Acknowledgements
Course Requirements Checklist
Technology Integration Set-Up
Faithlife Student Resources
Module 1: Week 1
Learn
Read: 10 items
Watch: 1 item
Apply
Discussion: The Theologically Informed Christian
Module 2: Week 2
Learn
Read: 5 items
Watch: 2 items
Apply
Quiz: Sin and Virtue
Module 3: Week 3
Learn
Read: 2 items
Watch: 1 item
Apply
Discussion: Evolutionary Ethics and God
Research Paper: Topic, Thesis, and Preliminary Bibliography Assignment
Module 4: Week 4
Learn
Read: 4 items
Watch: 1 item
When
Topic
Notes
Apply
Reflection Essay: Christianity and The State Assignment
Module 5: Week 5
Learn
Read: 2 items
Watch: 2 items
Apply
Research Paper: Abstract, Outline, and Bibliography Assignment
Module 6: Week 6
Learn
Read: 10 items
Watch: 2 items
Apply
Discussion: Crime and Punishment
Module 7: Week 7
Learn
Read: 3 items
Watch: 1 item
Apply
Research Paper: Final Assignment
Module 8: Week 8
Learn
Read: 1 item
Watch: 1 item
Apply
Reflection Essay: Billy Graham's America Assignment
