Reconciling memories: Narrative as an approach to Aboriginal reconciliation in Australia

The dissertation begins with an account of the experience that initiated the dissertation. It then moves into a number of theoretical considerations (Part I). Chapter 1 draws from the fields of history and anthropology to outline the nature of the culture clash between indigenous and Anglo-Australians. The writer argues that there is a fundamental worldview clash around time and land and points to how this is present in contemporary problems of White-Black relationships in Australia. Chapter 2 surveys the literature on the general notion and theology of reconciliation showing that a fair degree of differences exists among theorists. The writer argues for the need to retrieve a trinitarian understanding of the missio Dei and in this light the need to develop a trinitarian understanding of reconciliation, with particular attention to the role of the Holy Spirit to bring about koinonia communion (perfect unity). Robert Schreiter's insight that reconciliation looks very different at the personal and social levels is identified as an important contribution to clarifying some of the issues surrounding the discussion about reconciliation. Chapter 3 examines the literature on narrative and points to its power in bringing about reconciliation.;The research tests Schreiter's narrative model of reconciliation by interviewing indigenous and Anglo-Australians (including missionaries) living at Wadeye, Northern Territory, Australia. Part II consists of summaries of representative interviews through which the writer explores three particular areas of narrative and reconciliation. Chapter 4 examines the level of difficulty narrators experience in telling their story. The writer shows a strong correlation between personal storytelling and integration of life experience. Chapter 5 explores personal narrative as a relational and interactive dynamic in people's lives. The writer shows a close relationship between personal integration of brokenness and one's ability to understand corporate narrative and recognize its limitations. Chapter 6 examines whether narrative effects change in peoples' perception of reconciliation and whether this in turn promotes the possibility of reconciliation between peoples. The writer argues convincingly that narrative (with particular attention to the facility of imagination) increases people's understanding of each other.;Part III summarizes the findings of the fieldwork in the light of the history and anthropology of Anglo and indigenous Australian interaction and Christian theology of reconciliation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...