Details for Theology of Social Engagement

This paper provides a biblical theology of holistic mission that takes seriously the responsibility of the Church to address issues of justice and poverty.  It argues that the good news of the Kingdom of God has vital implications for social institutions and cultural values, and explores various ways in which the church can respond

Awards offering Theology of Social Engagement

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Bachelor of Ministry

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This paper provides a biblical theology of holistic mission that takes seriously the responsibility of the Church to address issues of justice and poverty.  It argues that the good news of the Kingdom of God has vital implications for social institutions and cultural values, and explores various ways in which the church can respond

Outcomes

1. Develop a solid understanding of the biblical and theological foundations of holistic church mission.

2. Describe and critique alternate ways in which religious communities have engaged with the econmic, political and cultural structures that generate and sustain poverty, injustice and environmental issues

3. Identify the local and global environmental challenges hat require response from the church

4. Illustrate the ways in which issues of gender, culture and religion frame the experience of poverty and inform aid and relief projects

5. Compare and contrast different expressions of Christian mission

Subject Content

On Moodle

This course may be offered in the following formats

Face to face lectures, online learning, intensive

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Essay (2000 words), Forum postings (2500 words), Creative Project (200 words or equivalent)

Prescribed Text

Ormerod, N. & Clifton, S. Globalizaton and the Mission of the Church. London: T & T Clark, 2010. (e-book available)

Representative References

Bergoffen, D. et al., Confronting Global Gender Justice: Women’s Lives, Human Rights, London: Routledge, 2011.

Bosch, D.J. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission (20th Anniversary Edition). Orbis Books, 2011.

Cannon, Mae Elise. Social Justice Handbook: Small Steps for a better world. IL: IVP Books, 2009 (Kindle Available)

Chester, T. Good News to the Poor. Leicester: IVP, 2004. Christian, J. God of the Empty-Handed. Acorn Press, 2014.

Closkey P.H & J.P. Hogan (eds), Romero’s Legacy: The Call to Peace and Justice, New York: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2012.

Corbett, S., and Fikkert, B. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself. Moody Publishers, 2014.

Deyoung, K. & G. Gildbert, What is the Mission of the Church? Making sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission. IL: Crossway, 2011 (e-book Available)

Evans, C.A. “Jesus and Justice.” Ex Auditi 22 (2006): 159-175. Gill, R. The Cambridge Companion to Christian Ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001.

Hicks R.H. et al., Greening Aid?: Understanding the Environmental Impact of Development Assistance. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010.

Kirk, J.A. What is Mission? Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2000.

Kunst, T.J.W. “The Kingdom of God and Social Justice.” Bibliotheca Sacra 140 (1983): 108-116.

Lester, J. “God and Social Change”, Cross Currents 56/3 (2006): 303-311.

Leach, M., I. Scoones and A. Stirling. Dynamic Sustainabilities: Techology, Environment, Social Justice. NY: Earthscan, 2010 (e-book available)

Marshall K. & R.Marsh (eds.), Millennium Challenges for Development and Faith Institutions. Washington: World Bank Publications, 2003.

Morvaridi, Behrooz. Social Justice and Development. NY: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008

Massaro, Thomas S.J. Living Justice: Catholic Social Teaching in Action (2nd Edition) UK: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2012 (e-book Available)

Miller, D.E. & Yamamori, T. Global Pentecostalism: The New Face of Christian Social Engagement. Berkeley CA: University of California Press, 2007.

Moltmann, J. Creating a Just Future: The Politics of Peace and the Ethics of Creation in a Threatened World. London: SCM Press, 2012.

Moltmann, J. Ethics of Hope. MN: Fortress Press, 2012 Myers, B.T.L. Walking with the Poor: Princples and Practices of Transformational Development. NY: Orbis Books, 2011 (Kindle Available)

Peskett, H. & Ramachandra, V. The Message of Mission: The glory of Christ in all time and space. Leicester: IVP, 2003.

Riddell, R.C. Does Foreign Aid Really Work? Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.

Samuel, V. & Sudgen, C. Mission as Transformation: A Theology of the Whole Gospel. Eugene OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2009.

Shin, W. Christian Ethics and Social Justice. Seoul: Lim Que Yeoul, 2000.

Sider. R. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity, Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005.

Sider, R. Just Politics: A Guide for Christian Engagement. MI: Brazo Press, 2012 (e-book Available)

Sedgwick, P. “Debates About Globalization: The Influence of Ronald Preston.” Studies in Christian Ethics 17/2 (2004): 182-196.

Tanner, K. Economy of Grace. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2005.

The Rainbow Spirit Elders. Rainbow Spirit Theology: Toward an Australian Aboriginal Theology. Canberra: ATF Press, 2008.

Volf, Miroslav. A Public Faith: How Followers of Christ Should Serve the Common Good. MI: Brazos Press, 2011 (e-book Available)

Wakabayashi, A.M. Kingdom Come: How Jesus Wants to Change the World. Downers Grove: IVP, 2003. 

Wright, Christopher J.H., The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.

Journals:

Cross Currents

Ecotheology

Social Compass

Studies in Christian Ethics