HSC Task 1

Question 1

What is the percentage of Christianity in the 2021 Census?

Answer 1

43.9%

Question 2

What is the percentage of ‘No religion’ in the 2021 Census?

Answer 2

38.9%

Question 3

What is the percentage of other religion in the 2021 Census?

Answer 3

10.3%

Question 4

What immigration changed the religious landscape in 1940s-1950s?

Answer 4

Post world war II migrants from Europe, which were Catholics, Orthodox, Jews, etc

Question 5

What immigration changed the religious landscape in the 1940-80s?

Answer 5

• Refugees from the Middle East, which were Islamic
• Refugees from Southeast Asia, which were Buddhist and Hindu

Question 6

What immigration changed the religious landscape in the 2000s?

Answer 6

War, famine, terrorism
- War in the middle east brought Islam
- Skilled migrants from India brought Hinduism.

Question 7

Which state/territory has highest rate of no religion?

Answer 7

Tasmania

Question 8

Which state/territory has lowest rate of no religion?

Answer 8

NSW due to highest immigration rates

Question 9

Define secularism

Answer 9

The belief that religion should not interfere with or be integrated into public affairs in society

Question 10

What is the aim of secularism?

Answer 10

Maximise freedom of religion of all people and ensure everyone is treated equally as we’re a diverse society

Question 11

What is some evidence for the place of religion in secular Australia?

Answer 11

“It is, therefore, more important than ever to have a robust and respectful debate about freedom of religion and the place of religion in secular Australia” - Renae Barker, Lecturer of Law at the University of Western Australia
- Laws cannot always be made for religion
- More than half the country is religious, therefore, laws need to cater for this

Question 12

What is the aim of the religious discrimination bill?

Answer 12

• Bridging the gap between religion and the state

Question 13

What is a negative of the religious discrimination bill?

Answer 13

Discriminatory statements were able to be made and protected by the law, if there was religious evidence

Question 14

Which denomination is more likely to switch denominations?

Answer 14

Protestants, as they believe the Bible is subjective (interpret the nature of passages in their own way), they switch to better-suit beliefs

Question 15

What is the only Christian denomination that is increasing?

Answer 15

Oriental Orthodox

Question 16

Define New Age religion

Answer 16

A range of spiritual belief systems that focus on individual fulfilment in the form of personal happiness, health and meaning in life.

Question 17

Quote for new age religion

Answer 17

“Social and intergenerational transmission are both important factors in the cultivation of New Age spirituality.” - Misha Hoo, 2021, Social Compass Journal

• Drawn to the social aspect of new-age religions
• Intergenerational aspect

Question 18

Define ecumenism

Answer 18

Ecumenism is a movement towards religious unity amongst Christians of different variants.
- “Ecumenical dialogue is a journey” - Pope Francis II

Question 19

• Aim of the Nation Council of Churches in Australia
• NCCA Main scripture
• What they do
• Reconciliation

Answer 19

Bringing together 18 Australian churches in dialogue and practical cooperation since 1946.

Ephesians 4:15-16 - ‘The church is the Body of Christ, all working together with Christ as the head.’

Advocate for peace and unity during difficult times, such as the current Israel/Palestine conflict.

Advocate for justice surrounding First Nations peoples. They offered a statement of support and prayer after the referendum’s defeat, ‘“The NCCA support our First Nation peoples through a continued journey of reconciliation.”

Question 20

When was the Uniting Church founded?

Answer 20

1977 - merge of the Methodists and Presbyterians

Question 21

What percentage of Gen Z identify with a religion? Why?

Answer 21

52% - Due to strict rules and traditions
- Contradicting person beliefs

Question 22

Define religious sectarianism

Answer 22

Attachment or loyalty to a particular religious group.
- sticking with own people

Question 23

What is the aim of interfaith dialogue?

Answer 23

• Promoting understanding between different religions, faiths or spiritual beliefs to increase acceptance
• Standing united on significant public issues

Question 24

Why is interfaith dialogue important?

Answer 24

Australia is an increasingly pluralistic society in the sense that it is multicultural and multi-faith which can become a potential challenge for harmony and peace.
Interfaith dialogue creates respect and appreciation for religious diversity.

Question 25

Example of interfaith dialogue

Answer 25

Together For Humanity:
- Educational organisation fostering intercultural and religious understanding

Established in 2001

Question 26

Account for Australia’s religious landscape

Answer 26

Based on the Census trends, Australia is becoming more secular with less respect for religious institutions. It can be predicted that the next Census will show a significant decline in Christianity and an increase in no religion. This means that Australia could become a society based on individual spirituality.

‘Other religions’ will increase in the next Census, particularly Hinduism (1.9%-2.7%) and Islam (2.6%-3.2%), due to immigration and where skilled visas are offered geographically. This will increase the diverse multiculturalism of Australia. The decline in Christianity and the rise of migration doesn’t necessarily represent a rapid decrease in religion, but an increase in religious diversity.