The religious landscape from 1945 to the present

Question 1

Go read over the first page

Answer 1

come onnnnn

Question 2

How much has christian adherence decreased by (no’ people) and is it still the largest religion?

Answer 2

Christianity decreased by more than 1 million but is still Australia’s most common religion

Question 3

In the first national census, almost ?% of Australians identified as Christian. That figure has since decreased to ?%.

Answer 3

In the first national census, almost 96% of Australians identified as Christian. That figure has since decreased to 44%.

Question 4

‘Other Religions’ ( Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism) continues to increase; ?% of people)

Answer 4

10%

Question 5

How many and what percentage of australians reported no religion?

Answer 5

10 million - 38.9%

Question 6

how much as ‘no religion’ decreased by since the 2016 cencus

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

The three largest christian groups in 2021 were:

Answer 7

Catholic (20%)
Anglican (9.8%)
Uniting (2.6%)

Question 8

Top 7 most common religions with percentages (2016 + 2021) migration location cause

Answer 8

1. Christianity ( 52% in 2016 → 43.9% in 2021 )
2. ‘No Religion’ ( 30.1% in 2016 → 38.9% in 2021 )
3. Islam ( 2.6% in 2016 → 3.2% in 2021 ) → SE asea
4. Hinduism ( 1.9% in 2016 → 2.7% in 2021 ) → SE Asia
5. Buddhism ( 2.4% in 2016 → 2.4% in 2021 ) → SE asia china
6. Judaism ( 0.4% in 2016 → 0.4% in 2021 ) → E Europe + africa

7.Sikhism ( 0.5% in 2016 → 0.8% in 2021 ) → India

Question 9

Religion affiliation in Australians in 2021; %

Answer 9

Christianity ( 43.9% )

‘No Religion’ ( 38.9% )

Other Religions ( 10% )

Not Stated ( 7% )

Question 10

Reasons for the decline in Christianity and increase in ‘No Religion’ include;

Answer 10

Religious Scepticism

Disillusionment with Traditional Religions

Rise of Scientific Knowledge

Increased Diversity

Secularism

Question 11

Read key trends in religious affiliation

Answer 11

click one colour up from previous if whole thing is read

Question 12

List key trends

Answer 12

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.

Question 14

What impact did immigration from Europe after World War II have on religious adherence in Australia?

Answer 14

Led to an increase in affiliates of Orthodox churches, formation of Reformed bodies, growth in Catholic numbers, and ethnic parishes in various denominations.

Question 15

What has been the recent impact of immigration from South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa on religious diversity in Australia?

Answer 15

Expanded Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim numbers considerably, adding to the ethnic diversity in Christian groups.

Question 16

What percentage of Australians identified as Christian in the first national census?

Answer 16

96%.

Question 17

What was the percentage of Australians identifying as Christian in 2021?

Answer 17

43.9%.

Question 18

What does the category ‘No Religion’ in the census indicate?

Answer 18

It can mean individuals do not wish to identify with any particular group or are affiliated with other forms of spirituality.

Question 19

What was the percentage of Australians reporting ‘No Religion’ in 2021?

Answer 19

38.9%.

Question 20

What was the proportion of people affiliated with ‘Other Religions’ in 2021?

Answer 20

10%.

Question 21

What percentage of the population reported ‘Not Stated’ in the 2021 census?

Answer 21

7%.

Question 22

Which group reported the highest proportion of ‘No Religion’ in 2021?

Answer 22

Millennials (46.5%).

Question 23

What significant change occurred in the largest Christian denomination in Australia in 1986? Why?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

The formation of the Uniting Church in 1977, formed of the…

Answer 24

Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregationalist churches.

Question 25

Why has adherence to pentecostal churches remained consistent?

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Describe the historical impact of immigration on colonisation + immigration on christianity

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

List the trends in the current religious landscape

Answer 27

- Christianity as main religion - Immigration - denominational switching - Rise of new age religions - Sectarianism

Question 28

Read IMMIGRATION PART OF CURRENT RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPE

Answer 28

Do it now - same button procedure

Question 29

What is denominational switching? Elaborate trends.

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

What are some reasons for denominational switching among Christians?

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

What is 'New Age' religion characterized by?

Answer 31

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

Question 32

Why did new age religions become a thing?

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

What are some types of 'New Age' religions?

Answer 33

Numerology; is the belief in a divine and/or mystical relationship between numbers and events. Astrology; relates to the Zodiac, originating in Babylon.

Question 34

What was the impact of the White Australia Policy on immigration and religious affiliation?

Answer 34

It promoted discrimination against non-European religions and sustained Christian community growth until its replacement in 1973.

Question 35

What is the percentage of people affiliated with Catholicism in 2021?

Answer 35

20%.

Question 36

What is secularism? Secularisation?

Answer 36

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. ## Footnote Secularisation is the process of becoming increasingly secular.

Question 37

What reflects the increasing trends of secularisation in Australia?

Answer 37

The rising proportions of individuals answering 'No Religion' on the census ## Footnote This indicates a shift away from traditional religious practices.

Question 38

What are some reasons for the rise of secularism?

Answer 38

* Religious scepticism * Disillusionment with traditional religions * Increasing pluralism * Increasing individualism * Preoccupation with material desires * The rise of scientific knowledge ## Footnote These factors contribute to a decline in religious adherence.

Question 39

What is interfaith dialogue?

Answer 39

The move to greater cooperation and harmony between different religious traditions ## Footnote It aims to promote peace and understanding among diverse populations.

Question 40

What is ecumenism?

Answer 40

The movement among Christian churches to promote the restoration of unity ## Footnote It focuses on cooperation rather than division within Christianity.

Question 41

What are some examples of ecumenism?

Answer 41

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.

Question 42

Read Interfaith dialogue section

Answer 42

same process

Question 43

What is the Uniting Church in Australia?

Answer 43

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 ## Footnote It resulted from the merger of Methodists, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists.

Question 44

What is the National Council of Churches Australia (NCCA)?

Answer 44

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. ## Footnote It emerged in 1994 and represents 19 churches.

Question 45

What does the NSW Ecumenical Council promote?

Answer 45

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. ## Footnote It consists of 21 churches in NSW and the ACT.

Question 46

What is the impact of Ecumenism?

Answer 46

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. ## Footnote This includes efforts towards homelessness and refugee crises.

Question 47

What is one example of interfaith dialogue?

Answer 47

Interfaith Prayer Services ## Footnote These services aim to foster understanding among different religions.

Question 48

What was the Nostra Aetate statement?

Answer 48

A statement by the Second Vatican Council that opened dialogue with other faiths ## Footnote It allowed Catholics to engage with Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism.

Question 49

What is the aim of the Australian Council of Christians & Jews?

Answer 49

To promote understanding between Christians and Jews ## Footnote It focuses on combating antisemitism and fostering mutual respect.

Question 50

What is a challenge in interfaith dialogue?

Answer 50

Breaking down stereotypes of 'the other' ## Footnote Religious groups must acknowledge their role in fostering conflict.

Question 51

How does interfaith dialogue benefit society?

Answer 51

Promotes a harmonious, peaceful society and religious tolerance ## Footnote It encourages curiosity and learning among different faiths.

Question 52

Examples of interfaith dialogue include

Answer 52

Interfaith Prayer Services Interfaith Meetings, Statements & Gatherings Interfaith Organisations;

Question 53

Examples of interfaith prayer services

Answer 53

lowkey none woopsie

Question 54

Examples of Interfaith Meetings, Statements & Gatherings

Answer 54

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.

Question 55

Examples of Interfaith Organisations;

Answer 55

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.”