Global Ethical Issues

Global Ethical Issues: Christian Responses to Global Challenges such as War, Migration, and Human Trafficking

Level of Education: Doctoral Degree in Biblical Studies

Purpose: To examine and evaluate Christian responses to major global challenges, including war, migration, and human trafficking, emphasizing the ethical frameworks that guide these responses.

Objectives: To equip students with an understanding of how Christian ethics can be applied to complex global issues, to critically assess the effectiveness of these responses, and to encourage active engagement in addressing these challenges from a faith-based perspective.

Concepts, Terms, and Keywords Defined:

• Global Ethics: The examination of moral issues with global significance and the interrelated responses from a worldwide perspective.
• War: Armed conflict between groups, often examined through the lens of Just War Theory and pacifism in Christian ethics.
• Migration: The movement of people from one place to another to escape adverse conditions or seek better prospects, often involving issues of asylum and refugee status.
• Human Trafficking: The illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation.
• Just War Theory: A doctrine, historically developed by Christian theologians, that sets forth conditions under which war can be morally justifiable.
• Pacifism: The belief that any violence, including war, is unjustifiable under any circumstances, and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means.
• Sanctuary: The provision of safe haven, often by religious organizations, to those fleeing persecution.

Lesson Content:

1. Introduction to Global Ethical Issues:
   • Overview of the significance of global ethical challenges and the Christian call to respond.
   • Exploration of biblical and theological foundations for addressing global issues.
2. Christian Perspectives on War:
   • Examination of Just War Theory and its criteria (just cause, legitimate authority, right intention).
   • Discussion of Christian pacifism and examples from history (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu).
3. Ethics of Migration and Refugee Care:
   • Biblical insights on hospitality and caring for the stranger (Leviticus 19:34, Matthew 25:35).
   • Case studies on church involvement in refugee resettlement and advocacy.
4. Responding to Human Trafficking:
   • Understanding the scope and nature of human trafficking.
   • Christian organizations and their strategies for prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation (e.g., International Justice Mission).
5. Case Studies in Global Engagement:
   • Analysis of specific instances where Christian groups have responded to international crises.
   • Discussion on the effectiveness of these responses and areas for improvement.
6. Practical Applications:
   • Strategies for mobilizing church and community resources to address global issues.
   • Development of advocacy skills to influence policy and public opinion.
7. Theological Reflections on Global Suffering:
   • The role of prayer and spiritual disciplines in sustaining ethical engagement.
   • Theological considerations of hope and redemption in the context of global suffering.
8. Group Project and Discussion:
   • Students collaborate on proposing a new initiative or project to address one of the discussed issues.
   • Presentation of projects and feedback sessions to refine ideas and approaches.

Exam Questions with Explained Answers:

1. Question: Explain the principles of Just War Theory and how they align with Christian ethics. Answer: Just War Theory includes principles such as just cause, legitimate authority, and right intention, aimed at ensuring war is morally justifiable. These align with Christian ethics by seeking to limit the horrors of war and ensuring it is only pursued as a last resort and for the right reasons.
2. Question: How can Christians ethically respond to the migration crisis? Answer: Christians can respond by providing sanctuary, support, and advocacy for migrants and refugees, reflecting Jesus’ teachings on hospitality and compassion for the least among us (Matthew 25:35).
3. Question: Discuss the role of Christian organizations in combating human trafficking. Answer: Christian organizations play a crucial role by raising awareness, providing support and rehabilitation to victims, and working to prevent trafficking through advocacy and education, reflecting the call to seek justice and rescue the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17).
4. Question: Evaluate the effectiveness of pacifism as a response to war. Answer: Pacifism, as practiced by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., can be highly effective in drawing attention to the moral high ground and achieving social change through nonviolent means, though its application in all conflict situations remains a subject of debate.
5. Question: What strategies can be developed to enhance Christian engagement with global ethical issues? Answer: Strategies include forming partnerships with international organizations, educating congregations about global issues, engaging in policy advocacy, and fostering a culture of prayer and action that supports sustainable change.

Practical Applications (Bible-Based):

• Community Forums: Organize forums to educate and engage the community on global issues.
• Advocacy Campaigns: Launch campaigns to influence policies related to war, migration, and human trafficking.
• Educational Programs: Develop programs that equip believers with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to these challenges.

Research Citations (MLA Format):

1. Hollenbach, David. The Global Face of Public Faith: Politics, Human Rights, and Christian Ethics. Georgetown University Press, 2003. [Available in eBook format]
2. Stassen, Glen H., and David P. Gushee. Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. IVP Academic, 2003. [Available in eBook format]
3. Hehir, J. Bryan. The Just War: Ethical and Political Reflections. Rowman & Littlefield, 1986. [Available in eBook format]
4. Haugen, Gary A. Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World. InterVarsity Press, 1999. [Available in eBook format]
5. Wolterstorff, Nicholas. Justice: Rights and Wrongs. Princeton University Press, 2008. [Available in eBook format]

This lesson plan provides a comprehensive, scripturally-based, Christ-centered, and Holy Spirit-guided approach to understanding and addressing global ethical issues from a Christian perspective at a doctoral level.