Changing Patterns of Religious Adherence Flashcards
Outline changing patterns of religious adherence from 1945 to the present using census data Account for the present religious landscape in Australia in relation to: – Christianity as the major religious tradition – immigration – denominational switching – rise of New Age religions – secularism
Christian affiliation over time - 1996, 1991, 2016
1996 - 88.2%
1991 - 74%
2016 - 52.1%
‘Other’ religious affiliation over time - 1996, 1991, 2016
1996 - 0.7%
1991 - 2.6%
2016 - 8.2%
‘No religion’ affiliation over time - 1996, 1991, 2016
1996 - 0.8%
1991 - 12.9%
2016 - 30.1%
Religious affiliation in 1966
Christian - 88.2%
Other - 0.7%
No religion - 0.8%
Religious affiliation in 1991
Christian - 74%
Other - 2.6%
No religion - 12.9%
Religious affiliation in 2016
Christian - 52.1%
Other - 8.2%
No religion - 30.1%
Religious affiliation in 2021
Christianity - 43.9%
No religion - 38.9%
Islam - 3.2%
Hinduism - 2.7%
Buddhism - 2.4%
Change in Christian affiliation 1947-2021
88% to 43.9%
Top attractors to religion and spirituality
- Seeing people living out genuine faith
- Experiencing personal trauma or event
- Stories/testimonies from people who have changed due to faith
Top repellents to religion and spirituality
- Philosophical discussion & debate
- Miraculous stories
- Hearing of public figures & celebrities who are examples of that faith
Reasons for decline in numbers of Christians regularly attending services
- Aging population
- Lack of Christian migrant intake
- General dissatisfaction with organised religion
Why has trust in organised religion been compromised?
- Exposure of past and current misconduct by church officials
- Response of church officials to this misconduct
Why does Christianity remain the dominant religion?
- First settlement by Christian Europeans - British and therefore Christian colony
- Missionaries contributed to services & infrastructure
- White Australia Policy - less non-European migrants
What factors contribute to the decline of Christianity?
- Relevance of church services
- Onset of rationalism, postmodernism and individualism
- Declining support for monarchy
- Religious school system
Religious
Adhering to a religion, including its practices, beliefs, and communities of expression.
Spiritual
Appreciation of the sacred as well as personalised beliefs and practices.
Positive contributions of Christianity
- Growth of church-based schools expanded education landscape
- Desirable features in religious schools (ethics, morals, values)
- Social welfare outreach & charity
- Lobbying government on issues
- Contributes to robust ethical dialogue
Australians are losing their sense of religious .., but not losing … about ….
Identity
Curiosity
Faith
Quote: decline in religious affiliation has gone … overall - that’s been a … over the last ….
Who said this?
Down
Trend
Decade
Dr Ruth Powell, NCLS (National Church Life Survey) Research Director.
Quote: When Australians choose … … it tells us about a … for whom it is not an … part of their …, … or … identity.
Who said this?
‘No Religion’
Group
Important
Personal
Social
Cultural
Dr Ruth Powell, NCLS (National Church Life Survey) Research Director.
How many Australians said religion, faith or spirituality is important in shaping life’s decisions?
More than 4 in 10, according to the 2018 NCLS
How many Australians said they believe in God or a higher power?
Nearly 6 in 10, according to the 2018 NCLS
How many Australians said they pray or meditate at least once a week?
3 in 10, according to the 2018 NCLS
How many Australians said they attend religious services as least once a month?
2 in 10, according to the 2018 NCLS
