Australia Post 1945 Christianity

Question 1

Dot Point - Religioys landscape from 1945 to the present in relation to changing patterns of religious adherence

Answer 1

Christianity remains the most common response to the Census question, however, has seen a sharp decline: Reduced from 61.1% in 2011, 52.1% in 2016, to 43.9% in 2021.

In the 2001 census 15,55 of the population stated they have no religion, in 2016 this figure rose to 30.1%

The church of England was the established Church in the early colony and Chrsitianity was the established religion

Between 2003 and 2008 the growth rate of migration has increased due to net overseas migration
Since 2008 the growth rate due to net overseas migration has significantly exceeded that because of the natural increase

Question 2

The religious landscape from 1945 to the present in relation to
- the current religous landscape
Immigration

Answer 2

Immigration was extremely important in influencing Australia’s religious profile post 1945
Prior to 1945 the Immigration Restriction Act 1091 (White Australia Policy) ensured that those who came to live in Australia were primarily Anglo-saxon
Following WII most migrants came from Europe and were Christian
Post - war migrants include Italian Catholics and Orthodox Chrsitans from Eastern Europe
Immigration was extremely important in influencing Australia’s religious profile post 1945

Hindus first came to Australia which is now called Indonesia as traders
Many left Australia when the White Australia Policy came into place
‘Hindoos’ in Australia. ‘Hindoo’ was a census classification that included Muslim Afghans, Punjabi Sikhs and Hindus. By 1947, only 2189 people
identified themselves as ‘Indian’, an indication of the effectiveness of the White Australia policy.

Question 3

The religioys landscape from 1945 to the present in relation to
- The current religious landscape
Denominational switching

Answer 3

The traditional Christian denominations aren’t relating to modern society and provide irrelevant preaching
Mainly Anglicans join the Penecostal group
Pentecostalism is in touch with modern society and is worshipped through music and lively worship that engages people especially attractive towards younger people

Pentecostal denominations use music, lively worship which engages young people and fits into modern society
Promises miraculous healings and prosperity (successful/thriving) of people who have faith
Pentecostal Churches feel that traditional Chrsitian denominations are out of touch with modern society and preach irrelevant and outdated worship

Question 4

The religious landscape from 1945 to the present in relation to:
- the current religious landscape
- The rise of new age religions

Answer 4

Astrology
The belief of movements in relation to position of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world
Popularisation of New age religions due to internet, films, and other means

Greater access to clearer ethical guidelines

Tarot cards
Tarot cards are a form of cartomancy whereby practitioners use tarot cards to gain insight into the past, present and future
They formulate a question, then draw cards to interpret them for this end
Search for spiritual fulfilment and enlightenment
Spiritual insight as a reaction to the unsettled and turbulent nature of the world

Females are able to play an increased role in many New Age religions

Transcendental meditation
Transcendental meditation is a form of silent mantra meditation advocated by the transcendental meditation movement

With transcendental meditation you don’t need an app to guide your meditation, instead you silently repeat a mantra in your head
Wanting religion to assist dealing with life and their problems e.g stress

Search for spiritual fulfilment and enlightenment
Greater access to ethical guidelines

Question 5

The religous landscape from 1945 to the present in relation to:
- The current religous landscape
Secularism

Answer 5

Reasons for increasing secularism

Increasing pluralism
Increasing pluralism (diversity of beliefs and cultures) In Australia - this means that no single religious system is dominant

Increasing materialism
Increasing materialism - spirituality is ignored in favour of possessions, power, looks and authority

Increasing disillusionment with traditional religions
Increasing disillusionment with traditional religions - resulting in religions losing moral authority

Question 6

Religious dialogue in multifaith Australia
- Ecumenical movements within Chrisitianity

• National Council of Churches (NCCA)

Answer 6

Act for Peace
Promotes social justice initiatives among Chrsitan groups through the international aid organisation ‘Act for Peace’ (Chrsitan World Service)
Act for Peace delivers the assistance to the suffering communities and to encounter in justice and poverty, organising aiding campaigns such as the Christian bowl appeal

Question 7

Religious dialogue in multifaith Australia
- Ecumenical movements within Chrisitianity

• The NSW Ecumenical Council

Answer 7

House of welcome
Peace and Justice Commission which “brings together representatives from the member churches so they may respond more effectively to human need and to be spiritual imperative to seek justice for people everywhere

Programs such as the domestic violence program stimulates churches to help take action and prevent family violence.

Question 8

Religious dialogue in multifaith Australia
- Ecumenical movements within Chrisitianity

• The Uniting Church Australia

Answer 8

A Methodists, 65% of Presbyterians, 95% of Congregationalists

Christ, rising above cultural, economic, national, and racial barriers”
People who were members of the Uniting Church protested to ‘that unity which is both Christ’s gift and will for the Church’

teaching of special religious education in schools, the National Church Life Survey and academic institutions such as the Australian College of Theology

Question 9

Interfaith dialogue

Answer 9

NSW Council of Christians and Jews

The NSW Council of Christians and Jews is an organisation that aims to deepen a mutual understanding that reflects the distinctiveness and integrity of Judaism and Christianity. It aims to promote the tolerance and respect of Australia in this area.

Commemorative service for the Holocaust

Question 10

Interfaith dialogue

Answer 10

Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations (CMR)

The main function of the CMR is to promote and foster the relationship between the Muslim and Christian community as well as address common misconceptions of this relationship.

The Sydney Statement

An interfaith charter for Sydney in which people from different religious backgrounds can sign up to promote and participate in interfaith action that builds bridges between religious groups in NSW

Question 11

Interfaith dialogue

Answer 11

Jewish, Christian, Muslim Association of Australia (JCMA)

The JMCA aims to promote the tolerance and respect of Australia in this area. It seeks to address common misconceptions of this relationship between the various faiths.

JCMA schools project

Seeks to promote and increase the understanding of similarities and respect the differences between students, staff, and parents within schools to create a more inclusive school community.

Question 12

Contemporary Aboriginal Spiritualities
- Aboriginal spiritualuty as determined by the Dreaming (Kinship)

Answer 12

Moiety

Everything including the environment are split into two each half mirror each other and understand that the whole universe are made up of the two halves that come together

Dhuwa and Yrritja are the 2 halves
Everyperson, every place and every living thing
Clans are Duwa or Yirritja

Plants, animals are Duwa and Yirrija
Songs and dances belong to Duwa or Yirritja
Black cockatoo is Duwa

White Cockatoo is Yrritjja

These two moieties complement and balance each other in many ways for example ceremonies, marriage and daily life
You can only marry someone who is from the opposite moiety

Question 13

Contemporary Aboriginal Spiritualities
- Aboriginal spiritualuty as determined by the Dreaming (Kinship)

Answer 13

Totems

Totems are another level of kinship
Totems are predetermined and belong to your clan and family group
You can also have a personal totem
Totems are linked to the world around you
The land, air water
You are required to care for the wellbeing of your totem and make sure it is protected and passed on to the next generation
Since totems are split between moieties, this creates balance

Question 14

Contemporary Aboriginal Spiritualities
- Aboriginal spiritualuty as determined by the Dreaming (Kinship)

Answer 14

Skin systems

The skin system name cycle and your skin name is predetermined and is the one which comes after your mother’s skin name in the cycle

Your skin tells you who your grandparents, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles and aunties are

Skin is vital through identity and remind you that you are never alone

Husbands and wives have different skin names

Children have different skin names to their parents

Your birth mother and all of her sisters are your mothers

Your father and all of his brothers are your fathers

The children of your mothers are your brothers and sisters

There are some relationships where you need to show respectful avoidance

This applies to the mother of you husband (mother inlaw)

This also applies to brothers and sisters once they are not children anymore

Question 15

Aboriginal sprituality as determined by the Dreaming (Ceremonial life)

Answer 15

Corroboree

The Corroboree ceremonies are often pivotal in the stories of the Dreaming. This is expressed through singing, dancing, music and mime

Often the body of an ancestral spiritual is decorated to represent the presence of the spirit that is being portrayed

Retelling of Dreamtime stories
This is expressed through singing, dancing, music and mime

Question 16

Aboriginal sprituality as determined by the Dreaming (Ceremonial life)

Answer 16

Initiation ceremonies

Rite of passage - a member of the tribe is initiated into adulthood and this full membership of the tribe

These ceremonies usually include the testing of strength, the revelation of special knowledge, the removal of the child from the mother, seclusion, the giving of a new name, or sacred object, and a time of survival in the wild

Ceremonies are held to mark a person’s development and new roles in the group

Male initiation ceremonies
Often a man will undertake pain to show the submission to the authority of the elders
This proves the man worthy to learn about the secrets of the Dreaming
From this the man is taught the new totemic dances, songs and chants that connect him to a deeper level of the Dreaming

Question 17

Aboriginal sprituality as determined by the Dreaming (Ceremonial life)

Answer 17

Balance rites

Aboriginal rituals bring harmony in nature which aims to proliferation (increase) of a particular totem that is connected with a specific ancestral spiritual being from the Dreaming

Harmony in nature

The land has provided ceremonial objects, sacred names, kinship language and a way of Aboriginal people giving back to the ancestors is through Aboriginal people showing harmony in nature by looking after a specific totemic facet.

Question 18

Aboriginal spirituality as determined by the Dreaming (obligations to the land and people)

Answer 18

The land is a place for ancestral spirits to be immanent
The land is referred to as mother Earth as is the mother of Aboriginal people, through identity of an Aboriginal person being inextricably connected to the land
No one owns the lands, but Aboriginal people have cultural ownership which means they have a responsibility to care for it and nurture mother earth
The land and all forms of life it contains are regarded as sacred and trust that every living facet of life must be preserved and passed on in a timeless cycle of mutual dependence
Land holds sacred places for all people
Land is context of the Dreaming, inhabited by the ancestral spirits whom the people maintain a strong link with
Laws and kinship encourage the growth and maintenance of a complex network of dependence and support that extends beyond family groups
Dreamtime stories also connect each Aboriginal group to the land which they inhabit and are thus the custodians of that land

Question 19

Issues for Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to
- The effect of dispossession
- separation from the land

Answer 19

The effects of dispossession include the forceful removal from families, traditional lands and hunting grounds, assimilation policies

Ongoing effects -
Lower life expectancy
Higher rates of infant mortality
Over-representation in prisons
Higher unemployment rates
Higher drug and alcohol abuse
Higher use of government social services

Terra nullius is the term that was used to justify the Europeans invasion “land belonging to no one”
Loss of spiritual identity - totems and sacred sites were all a part of country
Loss of purpose of life - original purpose was to gain a deeper spiritual connection to the Dreaming (Spiritual ancestors) when removed from sacred sites and ritual estate Aboriginal people were not able to do that
Separating Aboriginal peoples from their kin groups and system meant tey were unable to speak their language and learn about their heritage and identity, spirituality
The Australian government policy between 1919-1970 was to forcibly remove Aborginal children from their biological and kinship families. In particular “half castes” and to assimilate them into White Australia
The loss of land has destroyed the system of totemic responsibilities
The loss of land amounts to loss of Aboriginal identity and the burden of not bein g able to fulfil ritual responsibilities
Deprivation of land results in loss of independence, culture, identity and spiritual world

Question 20

Issues for Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to
- The effect of dispossession
- seperation from kinship groups

Answer 20

Separation from kinship groups

Loss of roles, religion, ceremonies and culture through children growing up without learning about Aboriginal life and spirituality, social problems such as depression, alcoholism and violence, loss of language, loss of beliefs, laws and rituals and loss of family links and identity not only to the land but also to each other

Destroyed the kinship system (family links and language)

A loss of identity

It destroys their ability to live in that society
This is because of social destruction, importance of separation is immense
It affects not only the individual of the family that has lost the individual but also the future of the whole family that remains with part of it missing

Children grew up without learning about Aboriginal life (roles and lores)

A loss of culture

Children grew up without learning about Aboriginal life and spirituality (loss of roles, culture, ceremonies, rituals)
The separation of families has destroyed the kinship system and has led to a loss of identity

Forceful removal of children and mixed ancestry who placed them into institutions and removal of Aborginal families from land, usually sent to missions which broke down kinship groups
The separation of families has destroyed the kinship system and has led to a loss of identity
Loss of language (language groups being broken up, clans forbidden to speak native language)
Loss of belief, laws and rituals
Loss of family links, identity and culture

Separation from family and kinship removes a sense of belonging and identity to oneself and to the belonging of life

Question 21

Issues for Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to
- The effect of dispossession
- The Stolen Generations

Answer 21

Destruction of Culture

The destruction and/or loss of culture has been seen by the removal of indigenous people from their families. In doing os Indigenous children are unable to learn and develop their spirituality. Consequently the practices of spirituality cannot be fulfilled such as ceremonies, dance and stories.

Segregation

During the stolen generation many children were removed from their rightful homes. This saw the children segregated from their families and friends and forced into new social ideals as to remove their indigenous background.

Half-Caste System

The segregation further saw the introduction of the half case system. Indigenous people considered as “half-caste” were assimilated back into the white society in the hopes that their aboriginality would be forgotten.

Two findings of the ‘Bringing them home report’ included that children had a lower-self esteem when children were being removed from their families. Another finding from this was the inability to retain links and connection to their land and were unlikely to establish their rights to Native Title.

Question 22

Issues for Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to
- The land rights movement
- Native title
- Wik
- Mabo

Answer 22

The legal term ‘Native Title’ is which Aboriginal people have the right to land and waterways according to their customary laws, but viewed from and recognised by the Australian legal system.
The importance of the Native Title Act was for the Australian government to recognise existing land rights and to revitalise Aboriginal identity, traditional language, connection and responsibilities to country, social and cultural system, ongoing spiritual connection to land.

Wik and Wik Way peoples of Cape York argued that their Native Title claim did not extinguish with patrol leases. The High court decided that Native Title and pastoral leases could co-exist. The decision gave the Wik and Wik way peoples the right to camp and hunt of land as well as conduct ceremonies and rituals. The Wik decision occurred on the 23rd of December 1996

Question 23

Issues for Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to
- The land rights movement
- The Dreaming and the land are inextricably linked

Answer 23

The Dreaming and the land are inextricably linked

Aboriginal spirituality is founded on the principle that Aborigiinal people have an inextricable connection to the land
They are a part of the land and land is a part of their being
The Ancestral beings gave the Aboriginal peoples rights, obligations and responsibilities to care for the land and use it in expression of their faith and spirituality
Sacred places are vital for Indigenous peoples’ ceremonial life
The land is the atmospheric home for totems, sacred objects and the spirits of the Ancestors
The declaration made by European settlers that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ denied the fundamental principles and beliefs of Aboriginal beliefs and belief systems
These understandings of the sacred nature of the land encompass all aspects of the Land Rights Movement
(Mabo, Wik and the Native Title Act- affirmed the Australian Governements’ response to land claims, and explored the rights of Aboginal peoples who had maintained the continual connection to traditional land)

Question 24

Issues for Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to
- The land rights movement
- The land was shaped by spirit ancestors in the Dreamtime

Answer 24

The land was shaped by spirit ancestors in the Dreamtime

The Ancestral beings gave the Aboriginal peoples rights, obligations and responsibilities to care for the land and use it in expression of their faith and spirituality
Sacred places are vital for Indigenous peoples’ ceremonial life
On Wednesday 13th February 2008, Prime Minister kevin Rudd had make the most recent advancement by apologising to Indigenous peoples of Australia

The importance of the Dreaming works in two directions. The land Rights Legislation and the various High Court decisions help in the support of the Spirituality and the Dreaming for Aboriginal people

Question 25

Issues for Aboriginal spiritualities in relation to
- The land rights movement
- Without the land sacred sites can not be accessed

Answer 25

Without the land sacred sites can not be accessed

The declaration made by European settlers that Australia was ‘terra nullius’ denied the fundamental principles and beliefs of Aboriginal beliefs and belief systems

The most important aspect of Land Rights Legislation is that Aboriginal people have a way of returning to the land which is consistent with modern Australian law and process
The way forward has new hope as Aboriginal people are returning to the land and attempting to pick up the piece left of kinship, family and Dreaming

The importance of the Mabo and Wik decisions to the Land Rights Movement is vital because they are specific cases with specific legal rulings and they have helped change what has been accepted

Question 26

Religious expression in Australia - 1945 to the present
- the relationship between Aboriginal spiritualities and reli gious traditions in the process of Reconciliation

Answer 26

Christianity and CatholicCare Reconciliation Action Plan (read document on GC)

The reconciliation plan aims to create ‘meaningful projects which are delivered in collaboration with our local community and is endorsed by reconciliation Australia”

Catholic care predominantly self-fund the reconciliation Action plan and our Indigenous programs because we genuinely want to invest our resources, time and energy into collaborating with Aboriginal communities

Question 27

Religious expression in Australia - 1945 to the present
- the relationship between Aboriginal spiritualities and reli gious traditions in the process of Reconciliation

Answer 27

Islam and Muslim Women Australia

Anniversaries of the 1967 referendum which Allowed Aborignal and Torres Strait ISalnder people to be participants in the census and the right to vote. Celebrating National Reconciliation week allows Australais to work towards reconciliation in Australia through respect for the first nations people and land by learning about the importance of Aborgiinal and Torres Strait ISlanders culture, achievements, and their existing contribution to Australian society

Question 28

Religious expression in Australia - 1945 to the present
- the relationship between Aboriginal spiritualities and reli gious traditions in the process of Reconciliation

Answer 28

Judaism and the NSW Board of Jewish Deputies

All of these efforts and others are indicative of the Jewish communities respect for the acknowledgement of Indigenous Australians as Australia’s first peoples, our appreciation of the importance of Indigenous culture and history, our commitment to the reconciliation process and our shared commitment to combating racism and all forms of bigotry