Theologies of Oceania (CT8158P)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit focuses on the questions, theologies, and their embodiments in communities and liturgies (actions) developed through Oceania. Many rich theologies exist, as developed by Katalina Tahaafe-Williams, Jione Havea, Te Aroha Rowntree, Keiti Ann Kanongata'a, Winston Halapua, Näsili Vaka'uta, the Rainbow Spirit Elders, Lee Miena Skye, to name a very select few. In this unit, you will explore theological insights arising in the region through the work of a representative range of theologians and within a wider reflection on the dynamics of reading inter-culturally, all with the intent of developing a theological 'imaginary' grounded in this land and its histories.

Unit code: CT8158P

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Map the story of Oceanic theologies from the beginning of colonisation to the present
2.

Develop a critique of contextualisation in the context of Oceania
3.

Identify key theological themes and articulate their importance for world Christianity
4.

Evaluate the emerging hermeneutical methods and how these inform reading the biblical text in the contexts of Oceania
5.

Differentiate and coordinate the theological areas of concentration as they appear in Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, and the Pacifik

Pedagogy

Lecture, seminar, guided reading.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Deverell, Garry Worete. Contemplating Country: More Gondwana Theology. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2023.
  • Green, Beatrice, and Keiti Ann Kanongata’a, eds. Weaving Theology in Oceania: Culture, Context and Practice. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2020.
  • Havea, Jione, ed. Postcolonial Voices From Downunder: Indigenous Matters, Confronting Readings. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2017.
  • Havea, Jione, ed. Theological and Hermeneutical Explorations From Australia: Horizons of Contextuality. Lanham: Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2020.
  • Havea, Jione, ed. Theologies From the Pacific' Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillian, 2021.
  • Havea, Jione, Emily Colgan, and Nāsili Vaka’uta, eds. Theology as Threshold: Invitations From Aotearoa New Zealand. Lanham: Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2022.
  • Kolia, Brian Fiu, and Michael Mawson, eds. Unsettling Theologies: Memory, Identity, and Place Palgrave. Macmillan, 2024.
  • Rainbow Spirit Elders. Rainbow Spirit Theology: Toward an Australian Aboriginal Theology. ATF Press, 2007.
  • Tomlinson, Matt. God is Samoan: Dialogues Between Culture and Theology in the Pacific. Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 2020.
  • Vaai, Upolu Lumā, and Mark A. Lamport. Restoring Identities: The Contextualizing Story of Christianity in Oceania. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2023.
  • Vaai, Upolu Lumā, and Aisake Casimira, eds. Restorying the Pasifika Household. Suva, Fiji: PTC Press, 2023.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Multi-media project - Contextual Metaphors (Kava, Coconut, Pig)

A group presentation in class on the range of theologies developed out of local metaphors

 1000 25.0
Exegetical Essay - Oceania Hermeneutics

Chose from one or more of the selected texts outlining how to read the biblical text through an Oceanic hermeneutical lens. Outline the method (lens) they are using and apply that to a text of your choosing.

 2500 35.0
Summative Reflection - The Jesus of Oceania

Drawing together your notes and learnings through the Unit, and especially the christological readings, outline key elements which together build a picture of a local Jesus Christ and the questions he poses

 3500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 27 Jun, 2024

Unit record last updated: 2024-06-27 11:48:31 +1000