MF 4335 – Critical Engagement with Biblical Justice
Professor, Jeffrey G. Willetts, PhD. Mercer University, Atlanta, GA
Summer 2021/Main Campus
MF 4335
Monday 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Feemster/Willetts
DESCRIPTON: The purpose of this course is to explore the intersection between Western moral reflection and contemporary critical justice theory toward a philosophically informed Christian moral apologetic.
LEARNING GOALS:
1. To recognize some of the more prominent moral theories and theorists in the history of western thought. (Lecture, Reading, and Research)
2. To gain competence in the use of the relevant philosophical and theological vocabulary and concepts associated with critical moral reflection, contemporary theology, and critical justice theory. (Lecture, Reading, and Research)
3. To analyze the relative merits of competing moral theories and philosophical arguments imbedded in the work of various critical justice theorists. (Class Discussion and Research)
TEXTBOOKS:
Gaita, Raimond, A Common Humanity: thinking about love and truth and justice, Routledge Press, 2002, paperback
AUTHORS OF INTEREST:
Arendt, Hannah; Baldwin, Lewis; Banks, Taunya Lovell; Bantum, Brian; Berry, Wendell; Cone, James H.; DiAngelo, Robin; Dill, Bonnie Thornton; Golash-Boza, Tanya; Jennings, Willie James; Lynn, Richard; May, Vivian M.; Mills, Charles W.; Thurmond, Howard; Tutu, Desmond; Volf, Miroslav; Walker-Barnes, Chanequa; Wallis, Jim; West, Cornel.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Class Attendance and Participation
2. Assigned Readings
3. Online Discussion of Course Material
4. Book Review and Presentation
5. 12 page Research Paper
COURSE FORMAT:
The course will be taught in a hybrid format. The class will meet every Monday for twelve weeks, online primarily, but face to face a few weeks near the end of the course (assuming CDC protocols will permit).
This syllabus may be amended at any time by the professor.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
This course meets a core curriculum requirement for the Masters of Christian Leadership (MCL), the Graduate Certificate in Leadership Studies, congregation and public life tracks, and the Graduate Certificate in Justice Formation.