109 EXPLORING CHRISTIAN ETHICS

Introduces the discipline of Christian theological ethics. The course will examine the theological methods and resources in the Christian tradition which Christian ethicists have employed for developing a coherent vision of the Christian life and Christian character. Meets Tier I credit for religion.

208 EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

An introduction to the central doctrines of the Christian faith that is both critically respectful of classical theological  traditions and critically open to the new voices and emphases of recent theologies. Students will become familiar with systematic theological categories and develop interpretive skills through the careful reading, analysis, and discussion of theological texts.

220 TAKING HUMAN LIFE

This course deals with the questions of whether it is permissible to take human life and if so, what the conditions might be that warrant or limit such behavior. It examines the issues of euthanasia, abortion, capital punishment, suicide, and warfare from literary, philosophical, social scientific, and religious perspectives, mainly from the Judeo-Christian viewpoint. Meets Tier II credit for humanities.

301 Topics in Religion: RELIGION AND MEDICAL ETHICS

This course examines the debates surrounding health and health care in the modern era. Particular attention will be paid to the way in which these debates have been shaped by, and understood within, the Christian tradition. Using concepts, principles, stories, and symbols drawn from Christianity (as well as secular philosophy) we will consider some of the following issues: privacy, confidentiality, the nature of sickness and health, reproductive technology, euthanasia, voluntary termination of life-sustaining treatment, organ transplantation, artificial reproductive technologies, the allocation of health care resources, and genetic engineering/therapy. Meets Tier II credit for humanities requirement.

400 CHRISTIAN LITERATURE

Prerequisite: REL 108
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the rich heritage of Christian literature. Selected writings from the theological, devotional and general literary work of Christian writers are read and discussed.

401 SEMINAR IN CHRISTIAN ETHICS

Prerequisite: REL 108 or 109
This is an advanced course in religious ethics focusing o primary source readings of Christian theological ethics in the 20th century from authors such as Niebuhr, Ramsey, Yoder, the Roman Catholic magisterium, and Hauerwas, examining their methodologies, religious contexts, theological assumptions, and anthropological conclusions, and how these affect their treatment of particular issues.

404 SEMINAR IN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY: Theologies of Resistance and Reconciliation

Prerequisite: REL 208
This course explores the theology of Christian resistance movements in the 20 th Century against Nazism in Germany , segregation and disenfranchisement of African Americans in the U.S., economic exploitation in Latin America, and Apartheid in South Africa . The seminars cover the history of these movements, understanding the readings as contextual theologies. The course explores how religious thinkers grappled in their own contexts with the significant theological questions of resistance, justice, violence, pacifism, truth and reconciliation.

497  RELIGION THESIS SEMINAR

Prerequisite: REL 106 and junior or senior status.

Designed to give religion majors a guided opportunity to research and write a paper on a topic of interest in their area of concentration.

451 SEMINARY COURSE IN CHRISTIAN HISTORY, THEOLOGY, AND PHILOSOPHY

An Ashland Theological Seminary course in Christian history, theology, and/or philosophical studies. May be repeated once for a different topic.