LEC601‒ Contemporary Social Issues & Ethics: Description
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Every pastor today can benefit from this course, which challenges the tendency to form quick opinions on contemporary issues based on tradition, emotion, or media influences. Instead, it provides a solid biblical foundation for ethical decision-making.
Students will explore six ethical systems used in moral decision-making, identifying which align with Scripture, and examine biblical perspectives on social controversies such as abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, war, civil disobedience, and issues surrounding sex and marriage. The course integrates research, case studies, and ethical frameworks to critically engage with these topics.
Using a comprehensive 400-page textbook, students will focus on about a third of its 15 societal issues, with the rest available for reference. By examining arguments from all sides, students will be equipped to navigate moral dilemmas, form well-grounded conclusions, and lead others with biblical integrity.
REQUIREMENT DESIGNATION:
Bridge Requirement
MDiv Requirement
✓ MDiv Elective
✓ DMin Requirement
DMin Elective
PREREQUISITE DESIGNATION:
✓ No Prerequisite
Prerequisite:
CREDIT HOUR DESIGNATION:
✓ 3 Credits
E‒ Easy
C‒ Comfortable
S‒ Sizable
✓ R‒ Rigorous
F‒ Formidable
INSTRUCTIONAL COMPONENTS:
✓ Textbook or Books
Video or PowerPoint Lessons
Video Intro or Commentary
Online Text Lessons
RETENTION & ASSESSMENT:
Study Guides
✓ Quizzes
Workbook
✓ Forum Posting
Written or Media Submission
EXPECTED
EXPENDITURES:
✓ Tuition
✓ Educational Materials
Admin or Instructional Support Fee
Optional Mailing Cost
Norman L. Geisler
DEPARTMENTS: Theology & Church History
Apologetics & Evangelism • Leadership, Ethics & Citizenship
Norman L. Geisler
Dr. Norman Geisler has taught theology, philosophy, and classical Christian apologetics on the graduate and undergraduate level for over 50 years and authored or co-authored over 100 books. He has served as a professor at Trinity Evangelical Seminary and Dallas Theological Seminary. Education: William Tyndale College, Wheaton College, Northwestern University, Loyola University.
SSS COURSES
TCH504‒ God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Free Will
TEXTBOOK: • Chosen But Free: A Balanced View of God’s Sovereignty and Free Will
AE502‒ Introduction to Christian Apologetics
TEXTBOOK CO-AUTHOR: • Reasons For Belief
AE503‒ Defending The Faith With Confidence
TEXTBOOK CO-AUTHOR: • I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist
• The Official Study Guide to I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist
LEC601‒ Contemporary Social Issues & Ethics
TEXTBOOK: • Christian Ethics: Contemporary Issues and Options