Everyday Ethics: Sex, Money and
Friendship 
Contemporary questions surrounding the issues of work, sex, money and friendship abound. As the conversation continues, different approaches and perspectives compete for a hearing, resulting in uncertainty about core values or role models on which to base behaviour. Within this, too many assume they know what the Bible says about such matters and either unreflectively conform or object to it. This unit examines the Biblical text to discover what it actually says about these issues and seeks a way forward in interpreting, critiquing and applying these perspectives to contemporary life.
When & Where Offered
This unit is offered as a Winter Intensive subject in 2008. Classes will be held Monday-Friday 9am-1:30pm daily on the following dates: 21-25 July & 28 July - 1 August.Classes will be offered on Macquarie University campus. The teaching format will include lectures, small group presentations, tutorials, reading and reflection exercises, and audio/video components with morning tea break.
Lecturers
Dr. Chris Forbes
Chris Forbes is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Ancient History at Macquarie University, specialising in New Testament history.
Kara Martin
Kara has worked as a TV reporter, and in communications, human resources, training, marketing and business analysis. Kara is partway through theological studies.She has been on the Board of MCSI, a student, a mentor and now a lecturer.
Unit Code and Details
This unit is equivalent to a standard semester unit at advanced level. For example it is worth:
3 credit points at 200* level towards Maccquarie University undergraduate degrees
4 credit points at 400 level towards Australian College of Theology undergraduate degrees.
For advice on how to credit this subject to other institutions please contact our advisor.
*Note: from January 2008 MCSI units are no longer able to be credited at 300 level towards Macquarie Degree programs. Students enrolling in this unit will receive 3 credit points at 200 level.
Prerequisites: the equivalent of 6 months (1 semester) full time study (4 subjects) of university level study should be completed before enrolling in this subject. (Students not meeting this prerequisite can request permission from MCSI Dean to enrol)
It is recommended but not required that students have completed either or both of:
Worldview Survey: IN301 (MCSI 100) or
Bible Survey: IN302: (MCSI 101)
Unit Content/Lecture Topics
- 1. Course Overview & Sex I: The Premises of Christian and modern views of sex
- 2. Sex II: Singleness and Marriage in Biblical Perspective
- 3. Sex III: Sexual Improprieties and Biblical Eroticism
- 4. Sex IV: Sexualisation of Popular Culture and Counter-cultural Christian Responses.
- 5. Money I: The Purpose of Money & the example/teaching of Jesus
- 6. Money II: The Idolatry of Greed and Christian Contentment
- 7. Money III: A Simpler Lifestyle: The early Christians & the Church Today
- 8. Friendship I: Friendship Today: Current Definitions in Biblical Perspective
- 9. Friendship II: Biblical Case-studies in Friendship & Gender/cultural differences
- 10. Friendship III: God, Jesus and Friendship
- 11. Student Presentations and Conclusion
Assessment:
1 A short paper of 2000 words (worth 40% of the final grade) exploring a theme relevant to one of the four areas in biblical perspective or a short paper of 2000 words based on an item of popular culture (TV, magazine, movie, song etc) which raises issues with respect to course content. 40%.
2. One 3,000-word research paper exploring a different theme to no. 1 arising from the course in biblical and contemporary perspective (worth 60% of the final grade).
NB. The two items of assessment must not be from the same area of the course (ie, sex, money or friendship).
Textbooks & Readings
A course reader of article will be required. It will be available for about $30 from the MCSI office prior to commencement of classes.
Additional Reading:
1. D. Allyn, Make Love not War: The Sexual Revolution: an Unfettered History, Boston, 2000
2. Banks, R. & R.P. Stevens, eds. The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity. InterVarsity, 1997.
3. Blomberg, C. Neither Poverty Nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions. Apollos, 1999.
4. Collins, R. Sexual Ethics and the New Testament: Behaviour and Belief, Crossroad, 2000
5. Cosby, M.R. Sex in the Bible: An Introduction to what the Scriptures Teach us about Sexuality. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, 1984.
6. Countryman, L.W. Dirt, Greed and Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and their Implications for Today. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1988.
7. Crossin, J.W. Friendship: The Key to Spiritual Growth. New York: Paulist, 1997.
8. J. Ericksen, Kiss and Tell: Surveying Sex in the Twentieth Century, Cambridge, 1999
9. Foster, Richard. The Challenge of the Disciplined Life: Christian Reflections on Money, Sex & Power. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 1989.
10. Fitzgerald, J.T. Friendship, Flattery and Frankness of Speech: Studies on Friendship in the New Testament World. New York: Brill, 1996.
11. Preece, G.R. ‘Sex and the City of God', Zadok Papers S125 Winter 2003.
12. Preece, G.R. ‘Business as a Calling & Profession', in S. Gregg & G.R. Preece, Christianity and Entrepreneurship, St. Leonard's, CIS, 1999.
13. Preece, G.R. Changing Work Values: A Christian Response. Brunswick: Acorn, 1995.
14. Preece, G.R. ‘Everyday Spirituality: Connecting Sunday and Monday', Zadok Papers, 1995.
15. Preece, G.R. The Viability of the Vocation Tradition. Lewiston NY: Edwin Mellen, 1998.
16. Grenz, S.J. Sexual Ethics: An Evangelical Perspective. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1990.
17. Harvey, A.E. Strenuous Commands: The Ethics of Jesus, SCM: 1990.
18. Hays, R.B. The Moral Vision of the New Testament: Community, Cross and New Creation: A Contemporary Introduction to New Testament Ethics. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 1996.
19. Hengel, M. Property and Riches in the Early Church: Aspects of a Social History of Early Christianity. Trans. J. Bowden. Ann Arbor: UMI, 1991.
20. Johnson, L. T. Sharing Possessions: Mandate & Symbol of Faith, SCM 1981.
21. Keane, C. ed., What Some of you Were, Kingsford: Mathias, 2001.
22. Lewis, C.S. The Four Loves. New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1960.
23. Marshall, P. Enmity at Corinth: Social Conventions in Paul's Relations with the Corinthians. Tubingen: J.C.B. Mohr, 1987.
24. Meilaender, G. Friendship: A Study in Theological Ethics. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1981.
25. Rosner, B. How to Get Really Rich: A Sharp Look at the Religion of Greed. InterVarsity, 1999.
26. Schneider, J.R. The Good of Affluence, Eerdmans, 2003.
27. Scroggs, R. The New Testament and Homosexuality, Philadelphia, Fortress Press, 1983.
•28. Wheeler, S.E. Wealth as Peril and Obligation: The New Testament and Possessions, Eerdmans, 1995.