IB Block: Ethical Forms (IB 551) & God and Science: Issues in Biomedical Ethics (IB 552)

Prerequesites

None

Date

Friday, June 20th – Sunday, June 22nd

Credit

2.0

Block

3

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Course Description

IB 551 – Ethical Forms

This course in theological ethics will focus moral frameworks as tools for making moral judgments. The course will begin by focusing on the role of scripture, tradition, reason and experience in ethical decision making and will then move to an exploration of different frameworks and sources such as Natural Law, Virtue ethics, Narrative ethics, Responsibility/American Empirical Theology and ethics, and feminist and liberationist approaches.

IB 552 – God and Science: Issues in Biomedical Ethics

This course in theological ethics will focus on biomedical ethics (sometimes called bioethics). Students will be introduced to methods within bioethics as tools for making moral judgments. The course will begin by focusing on a description of bioethics and then turn to a case study that focus on 1) access to healthcare and 2) life at its beginnings.

Professor

Christopher Rodkey

Adjunct Professor of Religious Education and Theology

Education

B.A., St. Vincent College

M.Div., University of Chicago

D.Min., Meadville Lombard Theological School

Ph.D., Drew University

Bio

Dr. Christopher Rodkey is a public theologian in south-central Pennsylvania, where is he Pastor of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Dallastown, PA. He is a graduate of St. Vincent College (B.A.), the University of Chicago (M.Div.), Meadville Lombard Theological School (D.Min.), and Drew University (Ph.D.). He regularly teaches philosophy at Penn State York, where he was awarded the Burness Award for Excellence in Teaching, and has had extensive training in online pedagogy and course design from Penn State’s Global Campus. He holds lifetime certification as a Specialist in Religious Education from the United Church of Christ and has substantial ministry experience in children’s, youth, and young adult ministries.

Dr. Rodkey’s publications include The Synaptic Gospel (2012), Too Good to be True (2014), The World is Crucifixion (2016), The Palgrave Handbook of Radical Theology (co-editor, 2018), and The Bonhoeffer Chrism Mass (2020), A Kazoo Christmas (2023), and I Know Why There’s Blood in the Nile (2023). He has additionally co-created a series of three devotional coloring books for Chalice Press and was on the revision team for God & Me (2020), one of the scouting awards programs for children from P.R.A.Y. publications. He is currently creating a new translation of G. E. Lessing’s 1780 play, Ernst und Falk.

Course Information

Course Goals & Learning Outcomes
  1. Intellectual: (1) Students will gain knowledge of frameworks for moral decision making in Christian Ethics. (2) Students will have knowledge of moral reasoning in medical ethics and how it is related to Christian ethics.
  2. Practical: (1) Students will learn how to deploy these frameworks in ethics when making moral judgments in their own lives and in their congregations. Students will also learn the role of moral formation and its importance in the life of the church. (2) Students will learn how to think through case studies in medical ethics and incorporate a Christian perspective on beginning and end of life issues.
  3. Spiritual: (1) Students will learn to be attentive to the role of moral formation in spirituality and will learn ways to be attentive to shaping moral knowledge in their congregations. (2) Students will learn to be attentive to the role of Christian faith in shaping attitudes toward medicine, both in the abstract and in their congregations.
Required Textbooks
  1. Long, Stephen D. Christian Ethics: A Very Short Introduction (New York: Oxford UP, 2010). (IB 551)
  2. Meilaender, Gilbert. Bioethics: A Primer for Christians, 3rd (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2013). (IB 552)
  3. Kira Schlesinger, Pro-Choice and Christian: Reconciling Faith, Politics, and Justice. (WJK Press, 2017). (IB 552)
  4. Spohn, William C. What Are They Saying About Scripture and Ethics? (New York: Paulist Press, 1995). (IB 551)
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.
What technology is required?
Students should bring with them their laptops, tablets, or device with which they use to access the course materials and complete assignments.
What will I need to bring to class?
Laptop, notebook, pens/pencils, jacket or blanket, water bottle, assistive devices, etc. Any assignments or other needed materials will be listed in the course syllabus via Canvas.
Should I bring snacks?
You are welcome to bring snacks or drinks. LTS is equipped with a water filter for refilling water bottles and will have coffee and tea available, as well as an assortment of snacks. If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, please reach out to the Dean’s Office prior to your arrival.
What do I do if I can't join physically?
LTS does offer hybrid intensives options at the discretion of the Dean and course professor. Please contact the Dean’s Office prior to registering for courses to make your hybrid course request.

Other Intensives Course Offerings

IF Block: IF 556 & IF 558
Disciples History & Polity II (IP 670/870)
Exegesis for the Church (IS 560)
Sermon Preparation (LW 554)
Cross Cultural Perspectives on Death and Dying (LC 677/877)
LM Block: LM 561 & LM 562
Living Theology in Appalachia: The Works of Fr. Rausch (IB 677/877)

Questions about registering?

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