THEO8510 Towards Reconciliation: A Theological Understanding GE

2016

4.5

4 x 3-hour seminars per semester

1 of THEO2313, THEO2522 has been successfully completed

Assignment(s), Tutorial presentation, Fieldwork, Seminar, Tutorial participation

Reconciliation is fundamental to our understanding of God’s purposes in the world. In Australia, the issue of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians continues to be a complex and, at times, controversial process. Reconciliation for the church involves following Christ as He seeks justice and our liberation from the chains of our human made oppressive structures. In this topic we will seek to explore the context of Australia’s difficult journey between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and reflect theologically on our past, present and future as we attempt to move towards effective reconciliation.

In some years, a field trip may be made to visit an Indigenous community.

The aims of this topic are to:

• evaluate theologically the relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians

• investigate the biblical background to notions of reconciliation, covenant and treaty and critically evaluate theological interpretations and missiological implications of these notions for Australian history and contemporary society

• discern how theology can inform the ongoing social and political debate about reconciliation critically

At the conclusion of this topic students will be able to:

• demonstrate a critical understanding of the major issues involved in the reconciliation debate in Australia

• demonstrate an ability to critically engage with biblical ideas of covenant and reconciliation and to evaluate theological interpretations and applications of these in Australian history and society today

• identify and analyse key theological and missiological principles relating to reconciliation and apply them to the current process in Australia

• communicate verbally and in writing to a range of audiences