Indigenous Theology and Method - Praxis (CT9122W)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit will investigate unique indigenous theological contributions to the meaning of Christian faith and life. Utilising a thematic approach grounded in Indigenous epistemologies, the intersection of one’s experience with the Creator, the nature of the spiritual, the Gospel story and redemption will be explored in contrast with customary Western theological methods. Students will examine how Indigenous traditions shape faith experience and develop Indigenous frameworks for significant theological contributions.

Unit code: CT9122W

Unit status: Approved (Minor revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Examine some basic similarities and differences between concepts underlying theological doctrines within a Westernised Christian tradition and the formalised spiritual teachings of a variety of Indigenous wisdom traditions
2.

Analyse and research how Indigenous traditions can inform and nurture Indigenous Christian faith expressions
3.

Interpret and critique Biblical narratives within Indigenous cultural contexts thereby creating a framework for understanding their theological contribution for Indigenous Christians
4.

Appraise key issues in the intersection of Christian doctrines (systematics) and Indigenous contexts
5.

Apply theology to the practical day-to-day realities of Indigenous life

Unit sequence

This is an elective unit in the NAIITS Indigenous theology program, building on the principles introduced in the foundation units. Prerequisite: CT8102W Introduction to Indigenous Theology

Pedagogy

Lectures, Discussion groups

Indicative Bibliography

  • Deverell, Garry Worete. Gondwana Theology: A Trawloolway Man Reflects on Christian Faith. Sydney, Australia: Morning Star Publishing, 2018.
  • Jacobs, Adrian. Aboriginal Christianity – the Way It Was Meant to Be. Belleville, ON: Unpublished Manuscript, 1998.
  • Kidwell, Clara Sue, Homer Noley, and George E. Tinker. A Native American Theology. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2001.
  • Langton, Marcia, Welcome to Country: A Travel Guide to Indigenous Australia. Melbourne: Hardy-Grant Publishing, 2018.
  • Pearson, Noel, Up from the Mission. Melbourne: Black Inc., 2009.
  • Rainbow Spirit Elders. Rainbow Spirit Theology: Towards an Australian Aboriginal theology. Victoria: Harper Collins Religious, 1997.
  • Sanneh, Lamin O. Whose Religion is Christianity? The Gospel Beyond the West. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2003.
  • Sedmak, Clemens. Doing Local Theology: A Guide for Artisans of a New Humanity. Faith and Cultures Series. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2002.
  • Tiénou, Tite. ‘World Christianity and Theological Reflection’. Pages 37–51, in Globalizing Theology: Belief and Practice in an Era of World Christianity, ed. Craig Ott and Harold A. Netland. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2006.
  • Tinker, George E. Spirit and Resistance: Political Theology and American Indian Liberation. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2004.
  • Woodley, Randy. Shalom and the Community of Creation: An Indigenous Vision. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2012.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Book Review

Book Review (2000 words)

 0 20.0
Journal

Presentation - journal (3000 words)

 0 40.0
Oral Presentation

Presentation (1,500 words)

 0 20.0
Forum

Forum (online) (1,000 words)

 0 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 21 Oct, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-21 11:25:08 +1100