THE CHRISTIAN LIFE is essentially caught up in strange contradictions. Any system committed to a life made possible by a crucifixion has to be. Pacifica has recently been made aware of these contradictions. As we begin our fifth volume, we sometimes wonder why we are producing a serious theological journal in an increasingly "busy" and "secular" Australia. We are also aware that recent articles sometimes reflect too Western a mentality rather than the Pacific context and we hope to correct that imbalance.
Another part of the contradiction lies in the excitement that 1991 has produced for the study of theology in Australia. Monash University and the University of Melbourne have entered into an agreement with the Melbourne College of Divinity to offer combined degrees in Arts and Theology. This is an important engagement in the Australian University system where, until recently, religion has never been part of the study of the humanities.
The contradictions continue. At its most recent meeting, the Australian Academy of Humanities in Canberra conducted a symposium called "Beyond the Disciplines: The New Humanities". A postmodern critique was used to undermine the established disciplines generally called "humanities", theology being part of the discussion. Is there anything in what we read, believe, teach, and practise?
Last year's editorial lamented the absence of "Divinity" from our universities: we now report a significant change of direction. Last year we also recorded that students of theology were the only tertiary students barred from government support. That too has changed: students of theology will be able to apply for Austudy grants in 1992.
Closer to immediate concerns of Pacifica, the Melbourne College of Divinity has become a major sponsor of the journal. Although Pacifica is Roman Catholic in its origins, it now formally becomes part of the more ecumenical study of theology in which is the hallmark of the MCD. The link will bring support, advice and funds to Pacifica and provide the MCD with an established journal which it can call its own.
The contradictions must be embraced. The serious task of theological research and the communiction of the results of that research are more urgent in Australia than ever.