Case Studies in Christian Ethics

Case Studies in Christian Ethics: Practical Application of Ethical Principles to Real-World Scenarios

Level of Education: Doctoral Degree in Biblical Studies

Purpose: To deepen students’ understanding of Christian ethics by applying theoretical ethical principles to practical, real-world situations through detailed case studies.

Objectives: To equip students with the skills to analyze and respond to complex ethical dilemmas using a Christian ethical framework, fostering critical thinking and moral reasoning.

Concepts, Terms, and Keywords Defined:

• Christian Ethics: The study of morality from a Christian perspective, focusing on the teachings of Scripture and the example of Jesus Christ.
• Case Study: An in-depth exploration of a real-world scenario used to study a particular phenomenon or issue.
• Moral Reasoning: The process of determining the rightness or wrongness of a course of action based on ethical principles.
• Dilemma: A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
• Virtue Ethics: An approach in ethical theory that emphasizes an individual’s character as the key element of ethical thinking, as opposed to rules (deontology) or consequences (utilitarianism).

Lesson Content:

1. Introduction to Christian Ethics and Case Study Methodology:
   • Overview of Christian ethical principles and the significance of applying these in varied contexts.
   • Introduction to the case study method as a tool for ethical analysis.
2. Ethical Frameworks and Approaches:
   • Review of major ethical theories: deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics.
   • Discussion on how these frameworks intersect with Christian moral teachings.
3. Case Studies on Business Ethics:
   • Scenarios involving ethical conflicts in business settings, such as conflicts of interest, insider trading, and corporate social responsibility.
   • Application of Christian ethical principles to analyze and resolve these conflicts.
4. Case Studies on Medical Ethics:
   • Examination of dilemmas in healthcare, such as end-of-life decisions, genetic engineering, and patient confidentiality.
   • Ethical decision-making using the sanctity of life principle and the teachings of Christ on compassion.
5. Case Studies on Environmental Ethics:
   • Analysis of scenarios involving pollution, resource management, and animal rights.
   • Discussion on stewardship, creation care, and the biblical mandate to “tend and keep” the earth (Genesis 2:15).
6. Case Studies on Social and Political Ethics:
   • Exploration of issues such as immigration, capital punishment, and welfare policies.
   • Application of principles of justice, mercy, and the preferential option for the poor.
7. Interactive Workshops:
   • Role-playing exercises where students take on roles to debate and navigate ethical dilemmas.
   • Group discussions to facilitate deeper understanding and diverse perspectives.
8. Reflection and Synthesis:
   • Encouraging students to reflect on the moral implications of their analyses and decisions.
   • Techniques for integrating Christian ethical principles into personal and professional life.

Exam Questions with Explained Answers:

1. Question: Evaluate a business scenario where a Christian manager must decide whether to lay off a group of employees to save the company. Discuss the ethical considerations. Answer: The manager should weigh the consequences of layoffs against the company’s survival, consider the impact on employees’ families, and explore all possible alternatives. Christian ethics would prioritize human dignity and seek solutions that protect the most vulnerable, perhaps by finding ways to reduce costs or retrain employees.
2. Question: Analyze a medical case involving a terminally ill patient who requests euthanasia. Apply Christian ethical principles. Answer: From a Christian perspective, the sanctity of life is paramount, and euthanasia would generally be opposed. The response should focus on providing palliative care, emotional and spiritual support, emphasizing compassion and respect for life until natural death.
3. Question: Discuss the ethical issues in a case involving a Christian lawmaker who must vote on an immigration reform bill. Answer: The lawmaker should consider the principles of hospitality, justice, and the good of the community. Christian ethics supports protecting the rights and dignities of migrants while also considering the common good and the law of the land.

Practical Applications (Bible-Based):

• Ethical Decision-Making Workshops: Develop workshops to train students in ethical decision-making models that incorporate Christian values.
• Community Engagement Projects: Encourage students to engage in community service projects that allow them to practice ethical principles in real-world settings.
• Research Projects: Assign research projects that require students to propose solutions to ethical issues in their communities or industries, based on Christian ethical teachings.

Research Citations (MLA Format):

1. Hollinger, Dennis P. Choosing the Good: Christian Ethics in a Complex World. Baker Academic, 2002. [Available in eBook format]
2. Rae, Scott B. Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics. Zondervan, 2018. [Available in eBook format]
3. Geisler, Norman L. Christian Ethics: Contemporary Issues and Options. Baker Academic, 2010. [Available in eBook format]
4. Stassen, Glen H., and David P. Gushee. Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. IVP Academic, 2003. [Available in eBook format]
5. O’Donovan, Oliver. Resurrection and Moral Order: An Outline for Evangelical Ethics. Eerdmans, 1994. [Available in eBook format]

This lesson plan provides a comprehensive, scripturally-based, Christ-centered, and Holy Spirit-guided approach to applying Christian ethics to real-world scenarios at a doctoral level.