HSC Topic 1 RELIGION & BELIEF SYSTEMS IN AUSTRALIA POST 1945

1. Religious expression in Australia 1945 to the present The religious landscape in relation to changing patterns of religious adherence Outline of the changing patterns using census data (see diagrams/graphs and ABS census report) Occurred because of a range of influences especially since Post-war The rise of Australia Also, the nature of religion is that there will always be a dynamic within as a result of shifting patterns of . The current religious landscape in relation to: Christianity as the major religious tradition Dominance begun as the basis of the was Christian and the trend continued as a result of post war (WW2) immigration which increased all Christian denominations eg. large intakes from .. meant that Anglicans increased from .. (1947) to about . (1971) and has remained static. formation of the from the long process eventuating in a agreement between M.., P.. (2/3 of) and C.. Immigration . was a major determinant of change in Australias religious make-up, as the . intake changed the previous denominational balance. The govt was determined to . the country so offered programs of .. and most migrants settled in . areas. About . arrived from.countries over a yr period. Eventually Australias population between 1947 (.) and 1986 (). Since the there has been increased numbers from Asia as well. Eg. intakes 1950s & 60s Britain C of E or Anglican; Catholics 25% of the population (from England, Italy, Yugoslavia, Malta, Poland & Ireland); Orthodox from Greece, Cyprus 1 : from a greatly expanded area & the ending of the (ie the increased numbers of strands of Christianity) and

.................................. caused religious landscapes to shift . of other religious traditions changed the face of religion in

etc; Muslims has been the largest influx other than Christianity; Buddhists from Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia etc.. The .. (Immigration Restriction Act 1901) used a .. language dictation test (which was dropped in 1958 but the whole policy was not dismantled till 1973) only allowed in those who would not change the cultural mix. It was a policy of learn the new ways, blend in etcWhen it ended in the 1980s the new policy was and it brought an increase in the cultural diversity of not only Christianity, but religion as a whole. It is said to be the main cause of the growth of other religious traditions in Australia. So greater intake from sees Australias physical religious landscape changing with .., Muslim .., . shops, imams etc. Religion meets the needs of migrants allowing meeting others of like-mind, family & ethnic connections and strong cultural bonds.

Denominational Switching NCLS data shows many & attenders swap to find the right congregation. This is registered by the data at 14% change from another denomination within the last 5 years The .. Church indicated very little change either in or out (1%) churches are the main beneficiaries with 28% switching in and 15% switching out (mostly to other Pentecostal churches). l church attendance grew by 16% in the last 5 years Main losers due to switching are the . denominations like A, U, P. and L, each seeing a drop in actual numbers. Combined with their . age profiles they face a challenge to their future viability Switchers are . than ... For Anglicans and Protestants, under 50 ys of age, commitment is to the congregation, NOT the denomination. Only 19% of Anglicans and Protestants under 50 (29% in all) agree on the importance of lifelong loyalty. While for Catholics 65% see lifelong loyalty to their denomination as important but feel the lowest sense of belonging. Researchers identified 10 things that make a difference characteristics of congregations that are vital and growing. They are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. a sense of.. or direction a focus on those ..church life inviting to church an empowering looking after the . . worship a sense of . a lively .. moving people towards ..

10. new .. and services Secularism and the Rise of New Age Religions Secularism is the and has been a strong factor in the present religious landscape.

As well, alternatives to institutional religion has meant a spiritual . has developed in which people can pick and choose according to their circumstances/beliefs/tastes etc

Attendance has never been a feature of Australian church/religious life eg: . The no religion choice in the Census since rose from ..% to ..% in 2001 and to ..% in 2006 indicating a declining interest in .. An example of the apparent rise in secularism is the numbers of marriages in Australia now conducted by .. at about ..%. Trans . Changes in social values and attitudes also helps explain the increase in secularism. New Age religions provide those seeking .. and are characterised by interest in .and , objects and rituals.