If anyone thirsts
A range of sources will show that the biblical desert tradition can be a valuable resource for Australian people, despite their recent history of colonialism and secular city living.
The desert journey is a strong metaphor for life, which is popular in
counselling and spiritual direction. However, few physically go to the
desert. Of those who do go, they usually find spiritual renewal,
sometimes in ways unsought. In this era of renewed interest in
spirituality, this paper begins by mapping the ways in which the desert
has elicited a variety of spiritual responses. Several autobiographical
accounts of non-Indigenous' encounters with Australian areas of remote
wilderness or desert are examined within an organising metaphor of
'pilgrimage'. It is informed further by the many groups who have gone
with Ian on Spirit Journeys in Australian deserts. This paper is not
however primarily an existential study.
Most desert spirituality studies have focussed on the people who
have dwelt in the desert, notably the Desert Fathers and Mothers in the
Christian tradition, and the Australian Indigenous peoples. These two
may not function as the rich resource that is possible if the
experiential and biblical dimensions are overlooked.
The biblical sources that instigated the movement later known as
the 'Desert Fathers and Mothers', can be recovered by a critical
examination of major texts, various events, their environment and
practices. The emphasis in this study is on the Deuteronomic tradition
and the four gospels, and hence the title from John's gospel.
The study has significance for notions of discipleship and mission
important in the Christian tradition. It opens valuable resources for
Australian spiritual practices. It has added significance for the church
which, like ancient Israel, has forgotten its desert tradition.
Ian Robinson PhD is a university chaplain, desert retreat leader,
consultant in missional leadership, a Uniting Church clergyman with wide
experience, and active in a journey with stolen generations.
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