Theology, law, and the Australian legal academy

Abstract

Sometimes overlooked in the current scrutiny given law and religion is the relationship between theology and law. It is this latter nexus that is relevant to the world in which we live and the relationships that sustains us as nations and societies. In 4 parts, this article explores that relationship as it is found in Australia, and specifically, as it is viewed within the Australian legal academy. First, it distinguishes theology from religion. Second, it explores whether theology is important to Australian life. Third, having concluded that theology is important, the article considers the Australian theoretical literature that seemingly downplays the law school as the place for the study of the relationship between law and theology. Finally, the article argues that although the theoretical literature attempts to exclude religion from the development of law, it does not reject the study of the way that theology might nonetheless play a role in Australian social interaction.