Christian Political Ethics for Social Transformation (IB 678/878)
Prerequesites
Successful completion of DM 811 and DM 812.
Date
Tuesday, Jan. 13th – Thursday, Jan. 15th
Credit
2.0
Block
2
Course Description
This course examines the theological and ethical foundations of Christian socio-political engagement and their transformative impact on society. Students will explore biblical teachings, theological traditions, moral principles, historical contexts, and the works of both classical and contemporary thinkers to understand how these elements shape social vision, ethical decision-making, and political action. Through a critical analysis of pressing contemporary issues—including economic inequality, justice, peace, public health, environmental stewardship, and more—students will have the opportunity to articulate their moral perspectives, refine their ethical reasoning, and sharpen their political engagement. By the end of the course, they will develop a deeper understanding of how Christian political ethics can inform responsible political participation, promote social justice, and contribute to a more equitable, compassionate, and dignified society, fostering the common good and human flourishing.
Professor
Eleazar S. Fernandez
Contingent Faculty
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.), Vanderbilt University
Master of Theology in Social Ethics (ThM), Princeton Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (MDiv), Union Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA), Philippine Christian University
Associate in Arts, The College of Maasin
Bio
Eleazar S. Fernandez is Professor Emeritus of Constructive Theology at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (Minnesota) and former President of Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines (2013-2023). He is the author and editor of several works. His scholarship reflects a commitment to justice, cultural diversity, and theological imagination.
A theologian with a global vision, he has taught and lectured across the United States—including Christian Theological Seminary, Drew University, Metropolitan State University, and Pacific School of Religion—and in countries including South Korea, Jamaica, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Timor Leste, Cameroon, Malawi, Honduras, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, and Palestine.
Among his publications are Meditations on the Journey (2025), Threshold Dwellers in the Age of Global Pandemic, editor (Oregon: Pickwick, 2022); Teaching in a World of Violent Extremism, editor (Oregon: Pickwick, 2021); Teaching for a Multifaith World, editor (Oregon: Pickwick, 2017); Teaching for a Culturally Diverse and Racially Just World, editor (Cascade, 2013); New Overtures: Asian-North American Theology in the 21st Century, editor (Sopher Press, 2012); Burning Center, Porous Borders: Reimagining the Church in a Globalized World (Wipf and Stock, 2011); Reimagining the Human: Theological Anthropology in Response to Systemic Evil, St. Louis, Missouri: Chalice Press, 2004); Realizing the America of our Hearts: Theological Voices of Asian American, co-editor (St. Louis, Missouri: Chalice Press, 2003). A Dream Unfinished: Theological Reflections on America from the Margins, co-editor (Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2000); Toward a Theology of Struggle (Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 1994).
Eleazar lives in Minnesota with his wife, Josephine. They have two daughters, Zarine and Joelle, and a grandson, Theodore Joseph.
Course Information
Course Goals & Learning Outcomes
- Intellectual: identify and explain key biblical and theological foundations of Christian political ethics, including themes of power, justice, love, human dignity, common good, and more; summarize the historical development of Christian socio-political engagement in various contexts, including the early church, the Reformation, the modern, and the contemporary movements; integrate theological reflection and ethical practice in articulating a public theology that contributes to the common good.
- Practical: analyze current socio-political and economic issues (e.g., inequality, ecological crisis, violence, public health) using theological and ethical lenses; evaluate ethical arguments and political theologies for their consistency with Christian faith, justice orientation, and transformative potential; formulate and defend a personal theological-ethical stance on a pressing social issue, grounded in Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience; apply Christian ethical principles to social action, advocacy, and public policy engagement at local and global levels.
- Spiritual: embody and demonstrate values of compassion, hope, and solidarity as expressions of Christian discipleship in public life; exhibit openness to pluralism and respectful dialogue with differing ideological and religious perspectives.
Required Textbooks
1. J. Philip Wogaman, Christian Ethics: A Historical Introduction, 2nd ed. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011). Selections.
2. Paul Tillich, Love, Power, and Justice: Ontological Analysis and Ethical Applications (New York: Oxford University Press, 1954).
3. Walter Wink, The Powers that Be: Theology for a New Millennium (New York: Doubleday, 1998). Selections
4. José Míguez Bonino, Toward a Christian Political Ethics (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1983). Selections
5. Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century (2017).
6. Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in Without Going Crazy. rev. ed. (Novato, CA: New World Library, 2022). Selections
7. “Killing for the Telephone Company: Why the Nation-State Is Not the Keeper of the Common Good,” “The Liturgies of Church and State,” in William T. Cavanaugh, Migrations of the Holy: God, State, and the Political Meaning of the Church (Eerdmans, 2011).
8. Miguel de la Torre, Doing Christian Ethics from the Margins. 2nd ed. (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2014). Selections
9. Nick Couldry and Ulises A. Mejias, “Introduction,” Chapter 1, in The Costs of Connection: How Data Is Colonizing Human Life and Appropriating It for Capitalism? (Stanford University Press, 2019).
Is there pre-course work?
Yes. Before you arrive on campus for your time in class, you must complete the pre-class assignments consisting of reading, writing, and lectures. The written assignments must be submitted prior to our first class meeting so that we may discuss them. This 2-credit course follows the Lexington Theological Seminary hybrid model: a three-day synchronous intensive (residential or online) followed by six weeks of asynchronous online learning. The combined contact and learning hours (~75 total) fulfill ATS standards for a 2-credit course.
What technology is required?
What will I need to bring to class?
Should I bring snacks?
What do I do if I can't join physically?
Other Intensives Course Offerings
Building Congregational/Ministerial Frameworks for the Contemporary Contexts (DM 813)
IF Block: IF 556 & IF 558
Building Cultural Frameworks for the Contemporary Contexts (DM 812)
Exegesis for the Church (IS 560)
A Liberation Biblical Hermeneutics for Lent (IS 680/880)
LC Block: LC 550, LC 552, and LC 554
IP Block: IP 550 & IP 551
