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The challenges posed by social reconciliation in different countries in recent times, and their relevance to Christian Ethics and Public Theology.
This paper seeks to develop a fuller understanding of theoretical and practical approaches to reconciliation in the aftermath of division and violence. It explores the ethical challenges in transforming personal, social and structural relationships that have been damaged by conflict in different contexts. It highlights both the pitfalls and the positive potential that Christian theology might offer towards the search for a better future.
| Paper title | Reconciliation, Christian Ethics and Public Theology (Advanced) |
|---|---|
| Paper code | CHTH415 |
| Subject | Christian Thought and History |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period(s) | First Semester
(Distance learning)
First Semester (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,154.90 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $4,801.79 |
- Restriction
- CHTH 319
- Limited to
- BA(Hons), PGDipArts, PGCertChap, PGDipChap, MChap, PGDipFBLM, MFBLM, BTheol(Hons), PGDipTheol, MTheol, PGDipMin, MMin
- Eligibility
- Any student can study Theology, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an examination of the scriptures, history, content and relevance of the Christian faith, but it presupposes or requires no Christian commitment from students. All it requires is an inquiring mind and an interest in those skills that can be gained through the study of any subject in the Humanities.
- Contact
- Professor David Tombs: david.tombs@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
View more information on the Theology Programme’s website
- Teaching staff
- Professor David Tombs
- Paper Structure
The paper is structured in four modules:
- Introduction to Reconciliation, Ethics and Public Theology
- The South African Context
- The Northern Ireland Context
- The Aotearoa/New Zealand Context
Assessment comprises two 1,250 word essays and one 4,000-word essay.
- Textbooks
- Bloomfield, David, et al. (eds), Reconciliation After Violent Conflict: A Handbook
(Stockholm: IDEA, 2003).
This is available to download free of charge as a PDF from the publishers: http://www.idea.int/publications/reconciliation/index.cfm - Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Ethics.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Students who successfully complete the paper will be able to
- Clarify a sound understanding of the challenges posed by reconciliation as a personal and political process and its relevance to Christian ethics and public theology
- Analyse the ethical and theological complexity of truth, justice, forgiveness, remorse and apology in the social transformation of division and conflict
- Critically evaluate the resources that Christian ethics and public theology can draw upon to contribute constructively towards personal and political reconciliation
- Present persuasive written work with analytic arguments based on evidence, reading and reason
- Develop the capacity to identify a research topic and pursue a research plan to satisfactory completion
