Faith, Culture and Social Engagement

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Assess differing conceptions of the Kingdom of God, drawing upon biblical texts and theological perspectives.
2. Identify the personal, social, and ethical consequences envisioned by the ‘Good News’ of the Kingdom of God.
3. Engage theologically with aspects of culture in light of themes developed in this unit.
4. Demonstrate and critically reflect upon creative responses to contemporary contexts that are informed and transformed by the ‘Good News’.

• Two tutorial papers (750 words each) (40%)
• One reading log (1,000 words) (20%)
• One major essay (1,500 words) (40%)

Set texts recommended for purchase are highlighted in blue

• Berry, R. J. The Care of Creation: Focusing Concern and Action. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
• Burghardt, W. Justice: A Global Adventure. Maryknoll: Orbis, 2004.
• Christian, J. God of the Empty-handed: Poverty, Power and the Kingdom of God. Monrovia: MARC, 1999.
• Stevens, R. P. The Other Six Days. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.
• Goheen, M. W., and C. G. Bartholomew. Living at the Crossroads: An Introduction to Christian Worldview. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008.
• Gordon, G. What if you got Involved?: Taking a Stand against Social Injustice. Carlisle: Paternoster, 2003.
• Holt, S. C. God Next Door: Spirituality and Mission in the Neighbourhood. Brunswick East: Acorn, 2007.
• Malina, B. J. The Social Gospel of Jesus: The Kingdom of God in Mediterranean Perspective. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2001.
• Sider, R. Good News and Good Works: A Theology for the Whole Gospel. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005.
• Snyder, H. A Kingdom Manifesto: Calling the Church to Live under God’s Reign. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1985.
• Stassen, G. H., and D. P. Gushee. Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2003.
• Wright, N. T. Evil and the Justice of God. London: SPCK, 2006.