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Ruwan Palapathwala

Major teaching areas

• Globalisation for the Common Good: The Dialogue of Cultures and Religions – on-line (2008)
• Foundations of Pastoral Care –on-line (2007)

• Myths of Origin & End, World Religions and Interreligious Dialogue (United Faculty of Theology – UFT- 2006/2007)
• World Religions, Diversity and Dialogue (UFT 2005)
• Mission and Evangelism in an Ecumenical and Pluralist Context (Ministry Formation Program/Dip. Min. 2005)
• Groundwork for Christian Ministry (online)
• Buddhism: The Noble Middle Path (UFT 2004)
• Religious Traditions of South and Southeast Asia (UFT & online 2003, 2006)
• Supervision for Higher Degrees

Research Interests:

• Asian Religious Thought & Interfaith Dialogue
• Theravada Buddhism & Buddhist Civilisation
• The Theology of Paul Tillich
• Christian Ministry in the 21st Century
• Adult Education and Theory

Publications:

• "Bodhi, Karunā and Mettā: Buddhist Perspectives for a Theology of Pastoral Care for the Ageing and Persons with Disabilities", Ageing, Disability and Spirituality: Addressing the Challenge of Disability in Later Life, Ed., Elizabeth MacKinlay, London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2007/08.
• "The Relevance of Paul Tillich’s Later Theology for Mission Studies in the Context of Religious Pluralism", Australian Journal of Mission Studies, l/2, (Nov 2007).
• "Ghandi's Gift to a Violent World", Interreligious Insight: A Journal of Dialogue and Engagement, 5/4 (2007): 23-30.
• "Mahatma Gandhi’s Concept of Ahimsā (Nonviolence): A Case for Close Links of Intertextuality". One Word Many Versions; A Re-reading of the Holy Books –Essays on Intertextuality, Eds. R. Palapathwala & A. Karickam. Kerala: Dr. Alexander, Marthoma Centre for Dialogue, Kottarakara and the Cosmic Community Centre, August 2007, pp.88-104.
• "Ageing and Death: A Buddhist-Christian Conceptual Framework for Spirituality in Later Life", Aging, Spirituality and Palliative Care, Ed., Elizabeth MacKinlay, Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Pastoral Press, 2006, pp. 153-168.

• “Suffering: A Dialogical Imperative for Buddhist-Christian Dialogue”, Nanak Parkash A Journal of Sikh Studies, September, 2006.

• “Soteriology and its Imperative for a Dynamic Global Ethic”, Journal of Globalisation for the Common Good, Fall, 2006. (online Journal Ref: http://lass.calumet.purdue.edu/cca/jgcg/index.htm#top)
• "Ageing and Death: A Buddhist-Christian Conceptual Framework for Spirituality in Later Life", Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging Volume: 18 Issue: 2/3, pp. 151-166
• Divine Footprints: Pathways to Interfaith Dialogue in a World of Turmoil Melbourne: Centre for Social Inquiry, Religion & Interfaith Dialogue; Dr Alexander Marthoma Centre for Dialogue, Kerala; Karickam, November 2004 (ISBN 0-9756748-6-2)
• Thrasthavadaya Saha Argamika Muladharmavadaya, Melbourne: Centre for Social Inquiry, Religion & Interfaith Dialogue, September 2004 (ISBN 0-9756748-5-4)
• Dukkha Pilibada Bhauddha Saha Kithunu Adahas, Melbourne: Centre for Social Inquiry, Religion & Interfaith Dialogue, September 2004 (ISBN 0-9756748-4-6)
• Engaged Interfaith Dialogue: Religious Fundamentalism and Terrorism Melbourne: Centre for Social Inquiry, Religion & Interfaith Dialogue, September 2004 (ISBN 0-9756748-2-X)
• Engaged Interfaith Dialogue: Buddhist and Christian Perspectives on Suffering, Melbourne: Centre for Social Inquiry, Religion & Interfaith Dialogue, September 2004 (ISBN 0-9756748-1-1)
• Engaged Interfaith Dialogue: Paper on Muslim-Christian Harmony and Australian Education Policy, Melbourne: Centre for Social Inquiry, Religion & Interfaith Dialogue, September 2004 (0-9756748-3-8).
• Engaged Interfaith Dialogue: Lectures on Terrorism, Suffering & Healing: Special 2004 Australian General Synod Edition, Melbourne: Centre for Social Inquiry, Religion & Interfaith Dialogue August 2004 (ISBN 0-9756748-0-3)
• "Intertextuality as Dialogical Imperative: A Case for Contemporary Quest for Self with Reference to Buddhist-Christian Dialogue on the Concept of Anatta (No-self)", The Intertextuality of the Holy Books, Eds., Abraham Karickam & M.O. Oommen, Jr., Kerala, Kottarakara: The Cosmic Community Centre & Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Centre for Dialogue, July 2004.
• "Beyond Christ and System: Paul Tillich and Spirituality for the 21st Century." Religion in the New Millennium, eds., Frederick J. Parrella, & Raymond Bulman, Mercer University Press, USA, 2001/2002, pp. 205-219.
• "The Internationalisation of Education: A Case for a Global Ethic." The Next Generation: The Pacific Rim Community in the 21st Century, Asia Study Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, 2000.
• "Paul Tillich and Martin Heidegger." North American Paul Tillich Society. Spring 2000.

Forthcoming Publications

• “Mission, Evangelism & Ecumenism in a Pluralist Context: Re-thinking Christian Ministry Imperatives for Practical Theology and Ministry Formation Curriculum”, Australian E-Journal of Theology, Issue 9 February, 2007. (http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/research/theology/ejournal/)
• “Episteme, Praxis and Poiesis as Buddhi (knowledge) Metta (Loving Kindness) and Mahakaruna (Great Compassion): Imperatives for Spirituality in Later Life & Pastoral Care for Persons with Disabilities”, Ed. Elizabeth MacKinlay, Ageing, Disability & Spirituality: Addressing the Challenge of Disability in Later Life, London/Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2007.
• Ruwan Palapathwala (Editor) One Word, Many Versions: A Re-reading of the Holy Book.Dr Alexander Marthoma Centre for Dialogue, Kerala; Karickam (August 2007)
• Myths of Origin and End: Pathways to Interreligious Dialogue. Dr Alexander Marthoma Centre for Dialogue, Kerala; Karickam.
• The Intertextuality of the Holy Books. Dr Alexander Marthoma Centre for Dialogue, Kerala; Karickam. (Co-edited with Dr Abraham Karickam)

Other Semi-Academic Public Theology Publications & Reviews

• “Dukkha: Bauddha-Kithunu Anthar Argameeka Sangvadayake Mulika Padanama” (Dukkha: The Foundational Imperative for a Buddhist-Christain Interfaith Dialogue), (Part Three) Pahana, Issue 42, October 2006.

• “Dukkha: Bauddha-Kithunu Anthar Argameeka Sangvadayake Mulika Padanama” (Dukkha: The Foundational Imperative for a Buddhist-Christain Interfaith Dialogue), (Part Two) Pahana, Issue 41, September 2006.

• “All Religions Guilty of Acts of Terror” (Part Two), TMA, No 441 September 2006.

• “Dukkha: Bauddha-Kithunu Anthar Argameeka Sangvadayake Mulika Padanama” (Dukkha: The Foundational Imperative for a Buddhist-Christain Interfaith Dialogue), (Part One) Pahana, Issue 40, August 2006.

• “All Religions Guilty of Acts of Terror” (Part One), TMA, No 440 August 2006.

• “Religion, Fundamentalism and Terrorism” (Part 3), Pahana,(Sri Lankan National Community Magazine, Australia) Issue 39, July 2006.
• “Religion, Fundamentalism and Terrorism” (Part 2), Pahana,(Sri Lankan National Community Magazine, Australia) Issue 38, June 2006.
• “Religion, Fundamentalism and Terrorism” (Part 1), Pahana,(Sri Lankan National Community Magazine, Australia) Issue 37, May 2006.
• “Paskuwa Pilibada Kithunu Dakeema (Christian Perspectives on Easter)”, Pahana,(Sri Lankan National Community Magazine, Australia) Issue 36, April 2006/
• Do We Have to Know Jesus to Be Saved? (Viewpoints 2), The Melbourne Anglican, 421, November 2004. http://www.media.anglican.com.au/tma/2004/11/salvation.html
• The Cross and the Bodhi Tree (Review), The Melbourne Anglican, 421, November 2004.
• Do We Have to Know Jesus to Be Saved? (Viewpoints 1), The Melbourne Anglican, 420, October 2004. http://www.media.anglican.com.au/tma/2004/10/salvation.html
• How Other Faiths Help us to See Ours Fresh, The Melbourne Anglican, March 2004.
  http://www.media.anglican.com.au/tma/2004/03/ruwan.html
• The Significance of Buddhism for the West: A Special Case for Interfaith Concerns in the Anglican Communion (NIFCON Consultation Bangalore)
  http://www.anglicannifcon.org/Bangalore%20Consultation.htm
• An Understanding of the New Age Spirituality, Living Faiths, Dialogue and Community, Victorian Council of Churches, 2004
  http://www.vcc.org.au/Living%20Faiths.htm

Conference Papers

• "The Function of Bodhi (wisdom) in Healing: A Buddhist Perspective", Association of Pratical Theology in Oceania Annual Conference, Trinity College the University of Melbourne (2-4 November, 2007).
• "Mahatma Gandhi’s Concept of Ahimsā (Nonviolence): A Case for Close Links of Intertextuality", One Word, Many Versions: A Re-reading of the Holy Books: 2nd International Conference on the Intertextuality of the Holy Books, Kottarakara, Kerala, India (6-9 September 2007)
• “Mission, Evangelism & Ecumenism in a Pluralist Context: Re-thinking Christian Ministry Imperatives for Practical Theology and Ministry Formation Curriculum”, Practical Theology and Public Issues Conference, Association of Practical Theology in Oceania, The Catholic Institute of Theology, Auckland, 3-5 November 2006.
• “Theoria, Poiesis and Praxis as Buddhi (knowledge) Metta (Loving Kindness) and Mahakaruna (Great Compassion): Imperatives for Spirituality in Later Life & Pastoral Care for Persons with Disabilities”, 3^rd National Conference 2006, Ageing, Disability & Spirituality: Addressing the challenge of disability in later life, 26 – 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 The Brassey of Canberra, Canberra.
• “The Grammar of Diologue with God's Children in Asia”, Jesuit Jubilee Conference, Evangelization and Culture in a Jesuit Light, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, 29 July 2006.
• "Globalisation and the Quest for Identity, Justice and Peace: The
  Soteriological Paradox in Buddhism, Christianity & Islam in the Search for
  the Common Good", International Conference, Globalisation for the Common Good: East Asia and Pacific Island Communities The Quest for Identity, Justice and Peace, at Chaminade University of Honolulu, Hawaii
  June 21 – 25, 2006
• "In Search of Mahatma (Highest Self): The Paradigmatic & Interreligious Significance of Early Buddhist Teaching for Re-Imagining God & Mission within Australian Cultures," Australian Missiology Conference, Melbourne, September 26-30, 2005. (http://www.missionstudies.org/au/)
• "Bodhisattva Ideal as the Middle Eastern and Buddhist Interfaith Motif for Spirituality and Global Peace" 2^nd International Conference on Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace, Edinburgh, 25 February 2005.
• "Ageing, Death and Spirituality in Later Life: Buddhist and Christian Perspectives", 3rd International Conference on Spirituality, Ageing and Palliative Care, Adelaide (28 September 2004)
• "Intertextuality as Dialogical Imperative: A Case for Contemporary Quest for Self with Reference to Buddhist-Christian Dialogue on the Concept of Anatta (No-self)", International Conference on the Intertextuality of the Holy Books, Kerala, India (25 - 30 August 2004)
• "Beyond Provincialisms: A Case for a Government Education Ends Policy In Promoting Muslim-Christian Harmony and Cooperation in Australia" International Colloquium on Managing Muslim-Christian Relations, Trinity College, 13 February.
• Religious Encounter and Dialogue in the Thought of Paul Tillich: Paradigms for Conversations with Contemporary Culture, Monash University, June 2000.
  http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/religion_theology/events/abstracts.html#ruwan_palapathwala
• "Paul Tillich and Post-Christianity", New Zealand Association for the Study of Religion Conference, Nelson, New Zealand, 4-7 December 2000.
• "Quest for Meaning and Authenticity: Religion and Education in the 21st Century," Massey University, New Zealand, 10 November 2000.
• "Religious Nationalism, Power and Representation in South Asia, Department of Asian Studies, Victoria University, New Zealand, 26 September, 2000.
• "Early Buddhist Missionary Monks and the Religious Situation of South Asia and Southeast Asia," Victoria University, New Zealand, 4 September 2000.
• "Challenges in Theological Education in the 21st Century," Bible College, New Zealand, 18 June, 2000.
• "Asia and Globalisation", 13th Asia-NZ International Conference, University of Otago, New Zealand, 24-27 November 1999.
• "The Internationalization of Education: A Case for a Global Ethic", The Next Generation: The Pacific Rim Community in the 21st Century Conference, Victoria University of Wellington and Auckland University, New Zealand, 26 -31 August 1999.
• "Beyond Christ and System: Paul Tillich and Spirituality for the 21st Century", International Conference of the North American Paul Tillich Society, New Harmony, Indiana, USA, 16-20 June 1999.

Interviews

• "Is Jesus' Death God's Only Offer of Salvation to the World?" Interview by David Bush – Executive Producer, ABC Religious Radio – ABC Radio National – Breakfast Friday 25 March 2005 (Good Friday)
  http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/brkfast/stories/s1329850.htm
• "Jesus, the Crucifixion and Atonement", Interview by John Cleary – ABC Radio National – The Religion Report, Friday 25 March 2005 (Good Friday)
  http://www.abc.net.au/sundaynights/stories/s1332276.htm
• "Federal Higher Education Policy and Managing Muslim-Christian Relations in Australia" ABC Radio National - Perspective Programme (13 February 2004)
• Interview with Roland Ashby on "Religion, Terrorism and Interfaith Dialogue" for TMA March '04.

Talks & Other Academic Lectures (2004-2006)

• Interfaith Dialogue and Building New Community Relations, Seymour
  Community Hall, Seymour, 28 April 2006
• One Australia and Many Cultures: Understanding Religious Pluralism for Harmonious Living, Affirming Anglican Catholicism in the Diocese of Wangaratta, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Wangaratta, 20 August 2005.
• World Religions and Creation Stories: Windows for Inter-religious Dialogue, The Centre for Continuing Education, Wangaratta, 19 August 2005.
• Black Holes and the Origin of the Universe: Perspectives from World's Religions, Lecture, RMIT University Department of Applied Physics, 10 May 2005.
• Interfaith Dialogue in a World of Turmoil, Lecture, Ecumenical Dinner, St. Andrew's Uniting Church, Bendigo, 19 March 2005.
• Christian-Muslim Interfaith Dialogue, Lecture, St. Andrews and St. John's Rye & Sorrento, 10 March 2005.
• Asian Tsunami: Christian Views on God and Suffering, Talk, Multi-Faith Reflections, Linh Son Buddhist Monastery, Reservoir, 26 January 2005.
• Interfaith Perspectives in Understanding Natural Disasters, Lecture, Broadmeadows City Council, 16 January 2005.
• Meeting God in His Absence, Talk, Interfaith Service, Glen Waverley Police Academy, 22 January 2005.
• Interfaith Dialogue & Global Peace, Mansfield Cinema, Mansfield, 24 November, 2004.
• Being a Christian in Multi-faith Australia, (Knowing Each Other Ecumenical Lecture Series 2) Mount Martha Uniting Church, Mount Martha, 28 October 2004.
• Origins and Development of Buddhism, (Knowing Each Other Ecumenical Lecture Series 1) St. Peter's Church, Mornington, 14 October 2004.
• Black Holes and the Origin of the Universe: Perspectives from World's Religions, Lectures, RMIT University Department of Applied Physics, 11 & 21 May and 12 October 2004.
• Knowing the True Self through Interfaith Dialogue and Christian Meditation, St James Anglican Church, East Thornbry, 14 August 2004.
• Spirituality and Interfaith Dialogue in Australia, St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Richmond, 27 July & 3 August 2004.

Professional Memberships

• Association of Practical Theology in Oceania
• Austarlian Association of Misison Studies
• Australian Association for Studies in Religion
• New Zealand Association for the Study of Religion
• North American Paul Tillich Society
• Australasian Association of Buddhist Studies (AABS) 

Administrative

• Responsible for coordinating the College's Supervised Theological Field Education (STFE) Programme, including.
  • Organising STFE Supervisor Training events.
  • Facilitating Theological Reflection Groups
  • Mentoring students
  • Member of the College's Interfaith Group
  • Member of the College's Socratic Encounters Committee.

Church and Community

• Vice President, Association of Practical Theology of Oceania
• Executive Member, Victorian Association of Theological Field Education (VATFE)
• Member of the International Board of Advisors for the Globalisation for the Common Good Conference Series (Reference: http://www.commongood.info/announcement2007.html)
• Director, Centre for Social Inquiry, Religion and Interfaith Dialogue (Melbourne)
• Co-Director, Resilience Foundation (Austarlia) (http://seahorsewebsitedesign.com/RESWIP/)
• National Representative on the Anglican Communion's Network for Interfaith Concerns (NIFCON)
• Hon General Secretary of World Federation of Interfaith Students Movements
• Member of the General Synod's Social Affairs Commission.
• Member of the Melbourne Synod's Social Responsibilities Commission.
• Chair, Victorian Council of Churches' Commission for Living Faiths and Community Relations.
• Board Member of the St. Paul's Cathedral Education Centre.
• Member of the Archbishop's Advisory Committee on Multicultural Ministry.

Address:

• Trinity College Theological School
• ruwanp@trinity.unimelb.edu.au

Website

• www.ruwan.com

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United Faculty of Theology, 1 Morrison Close Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
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