Aboriginal Spirituality and Australian Catholicism
Introduction
The indigenous Aboriginal people of Australia are known for their strong connections with nature and culture, which dates back over thousands of years. The Catholic religion, another prominent culture in Australia, also has a rich history, but not so much within this country. The two cultures both have very conflicting pasts and people are now trying to make amends but more so move forward. Both religions are making an effort to explore each other’s religion, especially Catholics who feel they should connect with their country’s past by exploring the unique customs of the Aboriginal people.
Connection to the Land
Non-indigenous people tend to live off the land, considering it as something they own. A product to be brought and sold. Aboriginals have a much deeper relationship with it. They see it as if the land owns them and every part of their lives is connected to it. Their sacred connection to the land is what dictates their aboriginal law and spirituality. The land is essentially what governs their way of life, from rituals to their ways of survival. It also gives them a sense of identity and belonging. It was where you came from and belonged, in another word; home. The land is their mother and they see it as their responsibility to care for it.
The Aboriginal people over many millennia’s have acquired a vast knowledge of the surrounding biodiversity, climate, land, culture, and people. Through all of these the responsibility they feel towards the land is quite evident. The Aboriginal people endeavour to live with the land, embracing everything it has to offer.
Belonging to a Community
Aboriginal people have strong spiritual connection to the land but they also have a really strong sense of community.
Firstly, they have a complex kinship system where everyone is related to everyone. This resulting in complicated social and marriage laws, which the people of the culture...