THL328 Reconciliation: The Theological-Political Nexus in Indigenous Public Policy (8)

Abstract

This subject examines Australia's national 'reconciliation' goal as illustrative of a nexus between theological objectives and political means. The context is set through a study of Christianity’s place in Indigenous Australian histories, before assessing contemporary limits and possibilities for Christian engagement with public decision making in relation to, for example, the stolen generations, land rights, and self-determination. It examines the relevance of religious principles to these policies to illuminate the theology and politics of 'sorrow' and 'reconciliation', and their interconnectedness in public life. Comparative lessons will be drawn from Christian contributions to 'reconciliation' in indigenous public policy in other jurisdictions.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 3
Online	United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL328
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration	Grading System	School:
One session	HD/FL	School of Theology

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of 'reconciliation' as a theological/political nexus in Indigenous public policy
be able to evaluate critically the role of Christian mission in Indigenous Australian history, theological perspectives on Indigenous self-determination, and public policy choices
be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of 'reconciliation' as it relates to Christian mission and public theology
be able to assess critically how Christian churches attend to the practical implications of 'reconciliation'
be able to articulate and assess critically other jurisdictions' engagement with the politics and theology of 'reconciliation' in indigenous public policy

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

'Reconciliation': Theology and political perspectives
Christian approaches to public theology
Christian mission in Indigenous Australian history
Indigenous responses to Christianity
Reconciliation as it relates to Christian mission in Australia
Aboriginal reconciliation as public theology
The theology and politics of saying 'sorry'
Reconciliation and the politics of reparation
Indigenous land rights and self-determination: Theological perspectives
Christian churches and reconciliation in practice
'Sorrow' and the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand indigenous public policy
Saying Sorry in South Africa: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission

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