Kungan Kaldowinyeri: Listening to Creation (CT9744Z)

Content

For Indigenous peoples theological understanding is sourced in the land, sea and sky. This wisdom is ancient, integrating physical and spiritual realms. In this unit we will immerse ourselves in Indigenous knowledge by listening through our six senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell and spirit) on country, as well as reading published resources. We will thus engage in critical both-ways theological dialogue to expand our knowing of Creator and what it means to be human on these lands now called Australia.

This unit will be co-taught with Kukabrak Ngarrindjeri elders and leaders and includes immersion on Yarluwe-Ruwe (Sea Country).

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

A Level 9 unit in postgraduate theology and ministry awards

Pedagogy

This co-taught unit will prioritise the wisdom of Indigenous elders and scholars toward enabling both-ways theological dialogue (respecting Indigenous and Christian knowledge, both/and).

Indicative Bibliography

• Bell, Diane. Ngarrindjeri Wurruwarrin : A World That Is, Was, and Will Be. North Melbourne, Vic.: Spinifex, 1998.
• Bird-Rose, Deborah. 'Nourishing Terrains: Australian Aboriginal Views of Landscape and Wilderness.' Canberra: Australian Heritage Commission, 1996. https://www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au/catholicidentity/index.php/sustainability/sustainability-and-aboriginal-education/91-nourishing-terrains/file
• Champion, Denise. Rosemary Dewerse (ed.) Anaditj. Port Augusta: Denise Champion, 2021.
• Champion, Denise and Rosemary Dewerse “Big Boss or Dark Emu? Indigenous Wisdom for the Academy. In Paul Babie and Rick Sarre (eds.) Religion Matters Volume 2: Further Explorations of Connectedness, 97-108. Singapore: Spinger, 2024.
• Deverell, Garry Worete, and Anne Pattel-Gray. Contemplating Country: More Gondwana Theology of Faith and Justice in These Lands Now Called Australia. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock, 2023.
• Fletcher, Frank. Jesus and the Dreaming. Strathfield, N.S.W.: St Pauls Publications, 2013.
• Havea, Jione, ed. Indigenous Australia and the Unfinished Business of Theology: Cross-Cultural Engagement of Postcolonialism and Religions. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.
• Heinrichs, Steve, ed. Buffalo Shout, Salmon Cry: Conversations on Creation, Land Justice, and Life Together. Waterloo, Ontario: Herald Press, 2013.
• Rainbow Spirit Elders. Rainbow Spirit Theology: Towards an Australian Aboriginal Theology. Second edition. Hindmarsh: ATF Press, 2007.
• Unaipon, David. Edited by Stephen Muecke and Adam Shoemaker. Legendary Tales of the Australian Aborigines. Carlton, Vic: Miegunyah Press, 2001.
• Woodley, Randy. Indigenous Theology and the Western Worldview: A Decolonized Approach to Christian Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2022.

Assessment