CH009-812
History of Christianity in Australia
Learning Outcomes
A. Know and understand
Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, the history of Christianity in Australia.
B. Be able to
- Examine the major phases and developments in the history of Christianity in Australia in their political and social contexts
- Interpret a selection of primary sources to formulate Critical historical viewpoints on the history of Christianity in Australia
- Present research and historiographically aware evidence-based perspectives on the history of Christianity in Australia
C. Be in a position to
- Applying Advanced perspectives from the Christianity in Australia to inform ministry practice as a reflective practitioner.
Content
- The Church as the Convict Chaplaincy (1788–1833)
a. British background, early New South Wales and Van Diemen’s Land settlements.
b. Colonial chaplaincy: moral and penal reform problems; relations with civil authorities.
c. Establishment disputes, recognition of non-Anglican churches; the Church Acts.
d. Policies on education; convicts and emancipists; transportation
e. Missions to the Aborigines. - The Churches consolidate (1833–1880)
a. Development from chaplaincy to organised religion with an indigenous ministry.
b. Denominationalism and sectarianism; liberalism and secularism; voluntarism.
c. The churches in an expanding community; the Gold rushes and their influence.
d. The abolition of State Aid; the churches, State education and the universities.
e. The beginnings and consolidation of one denomination in Australia. - The Churches confronted by the twentieth century (1880–1960)
a. Denominational consolidation: relations with Home churches; new religious forms.
b. Socio-political issues 1880–1914: Sunday; Temperance; Federation.
c. The churches and World War I: conscription and sectarianism.
d. The churches and the 1920s and the Depression.
e. The churches and World War II; the Jewish question.
f. The impact of post-war immigration; “White Australia”; the Catholic Groupers; secularism. - The Churches today (1960–)
a. The rise of the Bible College movement; the charismatic movement; sectarianism and mass media religion; para-church groups (e.g. Scripture Union, IVF, YMCA, Bible Society).
b. The ecumenical movement and the Australian Council of Churches;
c. Missions to Aborigines and overseas.
d. The churches’ involvement in debates over community issues (eg state aid, divorce, abortion, IVF, conscription; nuclear power, capital punishment, conservation, poverty).
e. Issues with the churches (e.g. church union, women in ministry, baptism).