The present religious landscape in Australia Flashcards
In relation to: Christianity as a major religious tradition, immigration, denominational switching, rise of New Age religions, and secularism
How is Christianity the major religious tradition in Australia?
- It is institutionalized in Australia
- E.g. follow Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas, and the popularity of religious schools
What major policy negatively impacted immigration to Australia?
The White Australia Policy or the Immigration Restriction Act restricted the number of immigrants that entered the country
Why was the Immigration Restriction Act horrible?
- It was an excuse to allow only European, and a lot of the time Christians, into the country
- Hard tests were excused as a person had to be ‘smart’ enough to enter; but it was mainly placed on the non-Europeans.
Why was the abolition of the White Australia Policy beneficial?
It allowed for many religious traditions to entre Australia, this included Islam, and Hinduism which now have become the second and third largest religions in Australia, according to the 2021 census.
What regions were the main contributors for the rise in Islam in Australia?
- Middle East
- Asia
- Countries such as Turkey and Lebanon
What region was the main contributor for the rise of Hinduism in Australia?
- Largely from India
What are New Age Religions, what is a major characteristic of them?
- Are alternative approaches to traditional religions
- They are seen as spiritual but not religious, with a interest in spirituality, mysticism, and holism
What are some features of New Age Religions?
- They are extremely diverse
they have a focus on love, light, and the journey towards personal transformation and healing - They are individualistic and search-orientated
What makes new age religions so appealing?
Due to their liberation - that provides freedom for adherents to choose what will fulfil them spiritually
What views has risen the popularity of New Age Religions?
- Society questions the traditional, religious authorities
- Tradition religions are perceived as not answering the needs of some individuals
What are examples of New Age Religions?
- Numerology
- Paganism
- Astrology
- Feng Shui
Can New Age Religions be taken as apposed to traditional religions or alongside.
New Age Religions can be taken as their own religious traditions or alongside one
What is Feng Shui?
- A Chinese philosophical tradition that aims to harmonize a environment with its inhabitants
- Involves the art of arranging buildings, objects, and spaces in an environment to achieve harmony and balance
What are the main beliefs of Feng Shui?
- Th arrangement of items in home effect the inhabitants
- Ensures good health, and improves interpersonal relationships –> brining prosperity
Why is Feng Shui so appealing?
- It provides a sense of purpose to activates
- It gives reason to mundane tasks
- It creates a personal and calming environment to achieve a sense of belonging
