호주 무슬림 이해 : 이슬라모포비아 현상과 기독교와의 관계를 중심으로

Abstract

Australia is located in the Asia-Pacific region and also closely related to the cultures of India, China and South-east Asian countries. Furthermore, Asian people are the major of Australian immigrants since World War II. Nonetheless, Australia is one of the traditional western Christian societies, which has been dominated by Anglican, Anglo-catholic, and British protestants. It is not quite different from other western countries to perceive Islam as the threatening religion in Australia. After ‘9.11’, the discourse of Islam in Australia is under a bias toward Islamophobia phenomenon.<BR><BR> In response to the typical westernized perception of Islam, Australian Muslims are attempted to protect Islamic belief and religious life by promoting ‘multiculturalism’ which is one of the national policy in Australia. In addition, as members of Australian Society, Muslims are willing to contribute to the peace with a critical view to the contemporary Islamic extremists. <BR><BR> Obviously, Christianity is the thing that is like shy hope in the heart to Australian people. It cannot be denied that the values and belief of Christianity have effected to the political, social and cultural systems of Australia. However, the influence of Christianity has been weakened and the churches are suffering from the various issues which constantly occur in secular society. In particular, the relationship between Christianity and Islam is ambivalent about attitudes and perspectives, that is to say, some Christians perceive Muslim as ‘others’ to be proselytized or to be enlightened, some try to extend the dialogical opportunities on the basis of dignity toward each other faith.<BR><BR> This article discusses the perception of Islam in Australia, which is inclined to Islamophobia and analyses the experiences of Muslim communities in response to the anti-Islam discourse and also identify the change of ecclesiastical mission context especially in relation to Islam. By analysing the various interreligious encounters between Christianity and Islam, this article illuminates how a multidimensional approach can influence to the interfaith dialogue of Australia in the future.