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    Overview

    A systematic examination of the meaning of morality and the foundations of ethics in Scripture; an analysis of Christian conceptions of morality from various perspectives; an examination and analysis of particular ethical issues surrounding Christian involvement in and responses to war and violence.

    In this paper, attention is given to the way violence is understood within the Biblical narrative and broader Christian history. The paper explores the ethical traditions of 'just war' and non-violence/pacifism and focuses on how theological responses to the issue of violence are outworked in practices of martyrdom, holy war and non-cooperative resistance.

    About this paper

    Paper title Christianity, War and Violence
    Subject Christian Thought and History
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period 1st Non standard period (10 November 2025 - 13 December 2025) (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,040.70
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    36 100-level points
    Restriction
    CHTH 331, CHTX 231, CHTX 331
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Theology
    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

    Dr Andrew Shepherd - andrew.shepherd@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Lecturer: Dr Andrew Shepherd

    Paper Structure

    The paper is comprised of three modules:

    1. Texts: Humanity, Violence, and the Bible
    2. Tradition: Christian Pacifism, Just War, Holy War, Liberation, Martyrdom
    3. Today: Total War & Technological Violence, Christian Protest & Peace-making, Laws & Limits
    Teaching Arrangements

    Distance with in-person assessment components.

    10 x 3-hour classes (2 classes per week during 5-week PXSS)

    Textbooks

    All readings are available on Blackboard.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:

    • Demonstrate an understanding of the distinctive features of a Christian approach to ethics.
    • Describe the different approaches within the Christian tradition to the ethical issue of war and violence.
    • Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Christian ethical approaches as it pertains to the contemporary challenges of war and violence.
    • Demonstrate analytical and interpretative by engagement with scholarly texts.
    Assessment details
    • Online/Class Discussions (20%)
    • Essay (30%)
    • Final Exam (50%)

    Timetable

    1st Non standard period (10 November 2025 - 13 December 2025)

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 18:30-21:20 46-50
    Thursday 18:30-21:20 46-50
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