https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/G_EBECIAfter finishing this courseStudents can describe and reflect on the evangelical and baptistic moral tradition, its ‘quest for holiness’, and the particular related perspectives and tensions (e.g. biblical interpretation and biblicism, revelation and sources of authority, the stance towards culture, communal discernment and the construction of the individual as moral agent)Students are able to ‘read’ case studies in contemporary (ecclesial) practices, recognize the above mentioned perspectives and tensions and formulating carefully and intelligibly what is at stake, theologically, existentially and relationally. SStudents are aware of their own normative position within a diverse community of people, can reflect on and be accountable for their particular situatedness (reflexivity), and draw upon the Christian moral traditions in order to find practical wisdom in providing leadership.This course introduces student into a narrative approach to ethics and intends to invite them into the complexity of moral questions and debates in the Christian community amidst a secular environment. It does so from the perspective of the evangelical and baptistic tradition, engaging in particular its ‘quest for holiness’ and a number of the consequent and related dynamics (e.g. how the bible is read, the stance towards culture, a high demand on the individual (idealism) and a particular view on revelation and authorities). During classes, contemporary ethical cases are discussed and elaborated. The cases will range from everyday ethics (such as giving and finances), to divisive issues around sexual ethics and power. Through the case studies a number of lenses are provided, that show a number of tensions and perspectives particular to the evangelical & baptistic tradition operative (biblically, hermeneutically, socially). At the same time, the discussions in class also serve as reflexive exercise, to practice moral dialogue in diversity. It is about the virtues required to do ethics well, engaging topics such as listening well, patience, not-knowing, justice and humility. Thus, the module engages the ‘quest for holiness’ not merely on a theoretical level, but also on an embodied and formative level: what moral wisdom is required in a broken, secular and superdiverse context?Seminar-style lecturesParticipation during classes (20%), an essay in which students deeply reflect on a particular (given) case study from a number of perspectives (biographical, pastoral and practical wisdom, historical and theological) (80%).Required reading consists of the following books (or sections of these books): Luke Bretherton, A Primer in Christian Ethics: Christ and the Struggle to Live Well (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2023) David P. Gushee, After Evangelicalism: The Path to a New Christianity (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2020) Lina Toth, Singleness and Marriage after Christendom (Eugene: Cascade Books, 2021) Additional book chapters and articles will be announced in the course syllabusThe course can be followed as an elective, or as a part of the master’s track Evangelical and Baptistic Leadership. It is offered by the Baptist Seminary, and classes are held in the Baptist House, Postjesweg 150, 1061 AX in Amsterdam (a 15-minute journey from the VU). In addition to VU students, it is possible that other students (doing a post-graduate study at the Seminary) will follow the course in the same shared learning environment. When registering for the course, we kindly request you to send an additional email to
[email protected].