The religious landscape from 1945 to the present Flashcards
Go read over the first page
come onnnnn
How much has christian adherence decreased by (no’ people) and is it still the largest religion?
Christianity decreased by more than 1 million but is still Australia’s most common religion
In the first national census, almost ?% of Australians identified as Christian. That figure has since decreased to ?%.
In the first national census, almost 96% of Australians identified as Christian. That figure has since decreased to 44%.
‘Other Religions’ ( Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism) continues to increase; ?% of people)
10%
How many and what percentage of australians reported no religion?
10 million - 38.9%
how much as ‘no religion’ decreased by since the 2016 cencus
38.9% an increase from 30.1% in 2016 - reflects a shift away from religious and spiritual viewpoints, by either expressing their beliefs outside of traditional institutional settings or not holding a viewpoint.
The three largest christian groups in 2021 were:
Catholic (20%)
Anglican (9.8%)
Uniting (2.6%)
Top 7 most common religions with percentages (2016 + 2021) migration location cause
- Christianity ( 52% in 2016 → 43.9% in 2021 )
- ‘No Religion’ ( 30.1% in 2016 → 38.9% in 2021 )
- Islam ( 2.6% in 2016 → 3.2% in 2021 ) → SE asea
- Hinduism ( 1.9% in 2016 → 2.7% in 2021 ) → SE Asia
- Buddhism ( 2.4% in 2016 → 2.4% in 2021 ) → SE asia china
- Judaism ( 0.4% in 2016 → 0.4% in 2021 ) → E Europe + africa
7.Sikhism ( 0.5% in 2016 → 0.8% in 2021 ) → India
Religion affiliation in Australians in 2021; %
Christianity ( 43.9% )
‘No Religion’ ( 38.9% )
Other Religions ( 10% )
Not Stated ( 7% )
Reasons for the decline in Christianity and increase in ‘No Religion’ include;
Religious Scepticism
Disillusionment with Traditional Religions
Rise of Scientific Knowledge
Increased Diversity
Secularism
Read key trends in religious affiliation
click one colour up from previous if whole thing is read
List key trends
The religion with the highest proportional growth since the last census was Yezidi
Proportion of people reporting ‘Other Religions’ increased from 3.5% 1996 to 10% 2021
(93.8% were either born overseas or had an overseas parent)
Christianity declined from 12.2M (52.1%) in 2016 to 11.1M (43.9%) in 2021; largest decrease for young adults (18-25).
Tasmania also has the highest proportion ( 50% ) of the population reporting ‘No Religion’; the lowest was NSW ( 33.2% ); from 2016 to 2021, the highest growth in the number of people reporting to have ‘No Religion’ was in Queensland and Tasmania.
What impact did immigration from Europe after World War II have on religious adherence in Australia?
Led to an increase in affiliates of Orthodox churches, formation of Reformed bodies, growth in Catholic numbers, and ethnic parishes in various denominations.
What has been the recent impact of immigration from South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa on religious diversity in Australia?
Expanded Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim numbers considerably, adding to the ethnic diversity in Christian groups.
What percentage of Australians identified as Christian in the first national census?
96%.
What was the percentage of Australians identifying as Christian in 2021?
43.9%.
What does the category ‘No Religion’ in the census indicate?
It can mean individuals do not wish to identify with any particular group or are affiliated with other forms of spirituality.
What was the percentage of Australians reporting ‘No Religion’ in 2021?
38.9%.
What was the proportion of people affiliated with ‘Other Religions’ in 2021?
10%.
What percentage of the population reported ‘Not Stated’ in the 2021 census?
7%.
Which group reported the highest proportion of ‘No Religion’ in 2021?
Millennials (46.5%).
What significant change occurred in the largest Christian denomination in Australia in 1986? Why?
Catholicism overtook Anglicanism.
Overall numbers for Christianity were sustained by an immigration program encouraging Europeans to come to Australia and the White Australia policy until 1973.
Discrimination and prejudice against other religions discouraged the growth of other religions
The formation of the Uniting Church in 1977, formed of the…
Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregationalist churches.
Why has adherence to pentecostal churches remained consistent?
Due to ‘Revolving Door Syndrome’. Young people also have greater attraction to the excitement offered by Pentecostal Churches in their appropriation of popular music cultural forms.
Describe the historical impact of immigration on colonisation + immigration on christianity
Impact of Colonisation:
Colonisation and having political power, given Anglicans were in charge of the first colony in Australia, meant that Christianity became the dominant religion in Australia early through the displacement and disregard of Aboriginal spiritualities.
Anglicanism, originally called the Church of England, held power in the wake of colonisation and there was major discrimination against Catholics during this time; as a result of this and other factors, Anglican remained the leading Christian denomination in Australia until 1986 when it was overtaken by Catholicism.
Impact of Immigration;
The overall numbers for Christianity were sustained by an immigration program encouraging Europeans to come to Australia, in combination
with the White Australia Policy and Immigration Restriction Act 1901, that barred immigrants of non-European descent and promoted discrimination and prejudiced attitudes until 1973; Christian communities thrived during this time due to social cohesion.
List the trends in the current religious landscape
- Christianity as main religion
- Immigration
- denominational switching
- Rise of new age religions
- Sectarianism
Read IMMIGRATION PART OF CURRENT RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPE
Do it now - same button procedure
What is denominational switching? Elaborate trends.
Denominational switching refers to the transfer of Christian adherents from one denomination to another.
- Free movement between the Anglican and Protestant denominations has long been a feature of Australian Church life; this is in stark contrast to Orthodox and Catholic Churches where denominational loyalty is very high.
The most common switching occurs between Pentecostal denominations as it is frequent in Protestant groups; these groups experience ‘Revolving Door Syndrome’; transfers to another denomination within two years.
From 2011 to 2016, approximately 23% of Church-goers were switchers or transferrers, 6% were newcomers and 3% were visitors.
What are some reasons for denominational switching among Christians?
Search for greater personal and spiritual fulfilment.
Seeking scientific or contemporary progress in response to modern issues.
Dissatisfaction with one’s own denomination for reasons relating to ritual styles, disempowerment, ethical issues, conflict, isolation etc.
Lack of inclusiveness or discrimination relating to gender, ethnicity, sexuality etc.
External influences, including family, friends, community etc.
Finding a closer support network in another denomination.
What is ‘New Age’ religion characterized by?
A range of spiritual beliefs aiming for individual fulfilment, lacking formal structure, and rejecting monotheistic beliefs.
Unlocks adherents from typical religious dogmatic boundaries - still means they have something to believe in…
‘New Age’ is an umbrella term for a range of spiritual beliefs aiming to foster individual fulfilment, personal happiness and meaning in life.
These religions tend to lack formal structure and organisation, and reject monotheistic beliefs
Why did new age religions become a thing?
Disillusionment or boredom with traditional religions.
Desire for a spiritual life that is not restricted by the firm requirements of traditional religions.
Seeking practices that will complement their adherence to traditional or other faiths.
Desire for a religion that meets their individual needs and preferences.
Seeking meaning, personal happiness and fulfilment.
Influences of family, friends or society.
What are some types of ‘New Age’ religions?
Numerology; is the belief in a divine and/or mystical relationship between numbers and events.
Astrology; relates to the Zodiac, originating in Babylon.
What was the impact of the White Australia Policy on immigration and religious affiliation?
It promoted discrimination against non-European religions and sustained Christian community growth until its replacement in 1973.
What is the percentage of people affiliated with Catholicism in 2021?
20%.
What is secularism?
Secularisation?
The concept of constructing the world without religious belief
The process of a society becoming increasingly secular or not religious in its practices and institutions.
Secularisation is the process of becoming increasingly secular.
What reflects the increasing trends of secularisation in Australia?
The rising proportions of individuals answering ‘No Religion’ on the census
This indicates a shift away from traditional religious practices.
What are some reasons for the rise of secularism?
- Religious scepticism
- Disillusionment with traditional religions
- Increasing pluralism
- Increasing individualism
- Preoccupation with material desires
- The rise of scientific knowledge
These factors contribute to a decline in religious adherence.
What is interfaith dialogue?
The move to greater cooperation and harmony between different religious traditions
It aims to promote peace and understanding among diverse populations.
What is ecumenism?
The movement among Christian churches to promote the restoration of unity
It focuses on cooperation rather than division within Christianity.
What are some examples of ecumenism?
Social Justice Projects; Christian denominations cooperating to help social justice issues.
e.g. Christian World Services, House of Welcome, helping refugees and asylum seekers, etc.
Joint Commissions; Formal ecumenical groups or committees working towards official agreements on certain issues and beliefs.
e.g. Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission ( ARCIC ), etc.
Joint Declarations; Formal ecumenical groups or committees working towards official agreements on certain issues and beliefs.
e.g. Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification ( 1998 ) between Catholics & Lutherans, etc.
Joint Educational Efforts; Federations of religious colleges working together to provide education in theology and ministry.
e.g. Sydney College of Divinity, etc.
Organisations;
e.g. Uniting Church, NCAA, NSW Ecumenical Council, etc.
Read Interfaith dialogue section
same process
What is the Uniting Church in Australia?
The 3rd largest Christian denomination
The basis of the union states that the Uniting Church is “seeking to bear witness to the unity which is both Christ’s gift and will for the Church.”
It was founded in 1977 through the merger of;
- All Methodists
- 65% of Presbyterians
- 95% of Congregationalists
It resulted from the merger of Methodists, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists.
What is the National Council of Churches Australia (NCCA)?
An ecumenical organisation of 19 churches, that emerged in 1994, that promotes Christian unity and cooperation.
It seeks to “express more visibly, the unity willed by Christ.”
e.g. The NCCA produced a guide for ‘Australian Churches Covenanting Together Locally’ in 2010 which proposed five dimensions of commitment to ecumenical unity.
It emerged in 1994 and represents 19 churches.
What does the NSW Ecumenical Council promote?
The NSW Ecumenical Council, founded in 1982, consists of 21 churches. House of Welcome is an initiative by them.
The council promotes ecumenism through;
- Encouraging individual and group ecumenical efforts.
- Occasional joint statements on beliefs, religious freedom, social justice, funding for Christian education etc.
- Provides a platform for churches to address social justice issues, such as the Christian World Service.
- Promotes educational initiatives to advocate ecumenism, such as the Sydney College of Divinity.
It consists of 21 churches in NSW and the ACT.
What is the impact of Ecumenism?
Greater cooperation on social justice issues, including homelessness and the refugee and asylum seeker crisis.
Empowers individuals through setting an example of unity and joint efforts geared towards positive change.
Greater relevance and influence in society resulting from the collaboration of a larger group.
Mutual support for beneficial initiatives, including funding for religious education.
This includes efforts towards homelessness and refugee crises.
What is one example of interfaith dialogue?
Interfaith Prayer Services
These services aim to foster understanding among different religions.
What was the Nostra Aetate statement?
A statement by the Second Vatican Council that opened dialogue with other faiths
It allowed Catholics to engage with Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism.
What is the aim of the Australian Council of Christians & Jews?
To promote understanding between Christians and Jews
It focuses on combating antisemitism and fostering mutual respect.
What is a challenge in interfaith dialogue?
Breaking down stereotypes of ‘the other’
Religious groups must acknowledge their role in fostering conflict.
How does interfaith dialogue benefit society?
Promotes a harmonious, peaceful society and religious tolerance
It encourages curiosity and learning among different faiths.
Examples of interfaith dialogue include
Interfaith Prayer Services
Interfaith Meetings, Statements & Gatherings
Interfaith Organisations;
Examples of interfaith prayer services
lowkey none woopsie
Examples of Interfaith Meetings, Statements & Gatherings
Nostra Aetate ( 1965 ) Statement by the Second Vatican Council:
The Catholic Church tentatively opened its dialogue to other Christian denominations by having Protestant observers at the Second Vatican Council from 1962 to 1965.
One of the outcomes of this Council was the Nostra Aetate statement which gave Catholic permission to enter into dialogue on equal terms with other traditions, extending a hand to Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism.
e.g. ‘Sacred People, Sacred Faith’ Event:
In March of 2021, leaders from across many faith traditions organised the ‘Sacred People, Sacred Faith’ event as part of a global day of action on climate change by faith communities; it called on the federal government to commit to a climate goal of zero carbon emissions by 2030.
e.g. The Sydney Statement:
The Sydney Statement: Building Bridges Between Believers from Different Religions, published in 2021 and written by the Youth Parliament of the World’s Religions ( PoWR ), is an interfaith charter for Sydney.
Details how to engage in interfaith relations with others - in daily life, in acting together for the common good, in sharing knowledge about each other’s relations, and in exchanging spirituality - and to promote interreligious dialogue.
Examples of Interfaith Organisations;
Formal ecumenical groups/committees working towards official agreements on certain issues and beliefs.
e.g. The Australian Council of Christians & Jews:
The Australian Council of Christians & Jews is active in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth; it is made up of Christians and Jews who recognise their common heritage and seek to promote understanding.
A particular focus of the Council is to stand together against antisemitism; activities of the council include annual Holocaust remembrance services and education seminars designed to deepen mutual understanding and respect.
e.g. The Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations:
This centre was established in 1997 with two main objectives;
To foster relationships between Christians and the Muslim community.
To address the misconceptions, lack of understanding and stereotyping regarding Muslims by Christians.
A particular focus of the Council is to stand together against antisemitism; activities of the council include annual Holocaust remembrance services and education seminars designed to deepen mutual understanding and respect.
“One of the biggest challenges for people involved in interfaith dialogue is to break down the stereotypes of ‘the other’ that exist within their own religious traditions and groups. Religious groups need to first acknowledge and confess their own role in fostering and contributing to injustice and conflict.”
