Content

This unit explores the possibilities and challenges of growing into agents of reconciliation in Australia today. It will examine:

  • Theological foundations for a ministry of presence and reconciliation today;
  • Key causes and effects of relational breakdown and dysfunction in Australia, including between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians;
  • Gifts and challenges of engaging in forgiveness and reconciliation with First Nation Australians, and in wider personal and social relationships;
  • The art of fostering justice, truth, mercy and peace in the church and society;
  • Personal and communal resources for sustaining a ministry of presence and reconciliation across diverse contexts in Australia.

Unit code: DS3030S

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Stirling College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate theological foundations for a ministry of reconciliation and presence with First Nation Australians and in other personal and social relationships

2.

Articulate critical causes and effects of relational breakdown in personal and social contexts

3.

Communicate the gifts and challenges involved in the ministry of reconciliation with First Nation Australians and in other personal and social relationships

4.

Demonstrate practices that foster and sustain a ministry of reconciliation and presence across Australia

5.

Apply research to identify and articulate the key issues, dynamics and challenges of a ministry of reconciliation for a specific context in which they are practically involved

Unit sequence

30 points in Field D and 15 points in Field B and 15 points in Field C

Pedagogy

lectures, seminars, tutorial, spiritual exercises

Indicative Bibliography

  • Armstrong, K. Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2010.
  • Benner, D.G. Presence and Encounter. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2014.
  • Cherry, S. Healing Agony. London: Continuum Intl Pub Group, 2012.
  • Graham, E. Walton, H. & Ward, F. Theological Reflection: Methods. London: SCM Press, 2005.
  • Grant, S. Talking to My Country. Sydney: Harper Collins, 2016.
  • Grattan, M. (editor). Reconciliation: Essays on Reconciliation. Melbourne: Black Inc., 2000.
  • Greenspan, M. Healing through the Dark Emotions. Boston: Shambhala Publications, 2003.
  • Mollica, R.F. Healing Invisible Wounds. Nashville: Vanderbilt Uni Press, 2006.
  • Newell, J.P. The Rebirthing of God. Woodstock, VT: SkyLight Paths Publ., 2014.
  • Palmer, P.J. Healing the Heart of Democracy. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2011.
  • Perkins, R. and M. Langton, eds. First Australians. Carlton: The Miegunyah Press, 2010.
  • Reynolds, H. Why Weren't We Told? Ringwood, Vic.: Viking, 1999.
  • Schreiter, R.J. The Ministry of Reconciliation. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1998.
  • Walters, K. Practicing Presence. Franklin, WI: Sheed & Ward, 2001.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Seminar or Tutorial

Seminar Paper: 2000 words

2000 40.0
Essay

Essay: 3000 words

3000 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 16 Mar, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-31 18:07:00 +1100