The Micah Mandate

This unit examines selected biblical texts on the themes of poverty, wealth, justice and compassion as a way of exploring Christian responses to the needs of marginalised people in a globalised world. It will examine the situations of the global poor, refugees and asylum seekers, and analyse the implications of climate change on vulnerable communities. It will introduce the themes of power, trade, debt, gender, advocacy, creation care, and the role of NGOs. There will be a focus on the potential of the church as an agent of transformation, with particular reference to a current advocacy campaign. The unit is jointly offered by Whitley College, Melbourne School of Theology, Stirling College (formerly Churches of Christ Theological College) and Eastern College Australia in association with TEAR Australia.

Code

DM2031W

Level

Undergraduate

Discipline

Missiology (DM)

Field

Theology: Mission and Ministry (D)

Prerequisites

Nil

Class Time

Unit not available 2021

Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. Explain important dimensions of the needs of the global marginalised.
2. Articulate an integral mission response to such needs and outline the theological convictions that inform such a response.
3. Describe strategies for the mobilization of the local church in integral mission.
4. Develop an educational resource designed to both inform and motivate the local church in integral mission.
Assessment
- Book review (1,000 words) (25%)
- Creating an educational resource (1,500 words) (30%)
- Essay (2,000 words) (45%)
Recommended reading
Set texts recommended for purchase are highlighted in blue
- Fowler, Alan F. Striking a Balance: A Guide to Enhancing the Effectiveness of Non- Governmental Organisations in International Development. London: Earthscan, 1997.
- Grant, Jamie A. and Hughes, Dewi A. (eds). Transforming the World? The Gospel and Social Responsibility. Nottingham: Intervarsity Press, 2009.
- Groody, Daniel G. Globalisation, Spirituality, and Justice: Navigating the Path to Peace. Maryknoll: Orbis, 2007.
- Ife, Jim. Community Development in an Uncertain World: Vision, Analysis and Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2013.
- Maggay, Melba Padilla. Transforming Society. 2nd ed. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2010.
- Myers, Bryant L. Walking with the Poor: Principles and Practices of Transformational Development. 2nd ed. Maryknoll: Orbis, 2014.
- Mitchell, Bob. Faith-Based Development: How Christian Organisations can Make a Difference. Maryknoll: Orbis. 2017.
- Stiglitz, Joseph E. Making Globalization Work. London: W W Norton, 2006.
- Toly, Noah J. & Block, Daniel I (eds). Keeping God’s Earth: The Global Environment in Biblical Perspective. Downers Grove & Nottingham: InterVarsity Press. 2010.
- Wolterstorff, Nicholas P. Journey Toward Justice: Personal Encounters in the Global South. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. 2013.
- Wright, Christopher J H. The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 2010.

The Micah Mandate

Learning outcomes

Assessment

Recommended reading

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