Abstract
The secularized use of biblical imagery in Australian history provokes significant questions for theological hermeneutics, not least in cases where the Bible has been used against Indigenous interests. This paper analyses: (1) doctrines of discovery derived from Genesis; (2) the “peaceable kingdom” vision arising from Isaiah 11 and its historic connection with ideas of treaty making; (3) exodus narratives and the human rights tradition; and (4) the theme of exile. With a sufficiently comprehensive understanding of the task of biblical hermeneutics, the Bible can be read afresh as a challenge to the Christian churches to support Aboriginal rights and to re-engage with prophetic contributions to our national conversation.
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