Religious business : essays on Australian aboriginal spirituality

This remarkable collection is drawn from the Charles Strong Memorial Lectures in comparative religion. Bringing the insights of anthropology, history and theology to a range of topics, the book reveals the complexity, diversity and dynamism within Aboriginal religion. The topics covered include ethical concepts, women's religious experience, religious expression in art, the dialogue between Aborigines and Christianity, the incorporation of Ned Kelly into Aboriginal myths, and the religious background to the Mabo case. The distinguished team of contributors includes Diane Bell, Ronald M. Berndt, Deborah Bird Rose, Frank Brennan, Max Charlesworth, Rosemary Crumlin, Nonie Sharp, W. E. H. Stanner, Tony Swain and Peter Willis. Spanning twenty years, the book traces the development of scholarship in the area, and also provides crucial background to the current land rights and reconciliation debates.