Christianity as the major religious tradition
Historical background
By 1947 Christianity had long been established as the major religious tradition in
Australia. This was due to the European settlers of the 18th and 19th centuries who
brought to Australia their traditional Christian churches - predominately the Church
of England and the Roman Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregationalist,
Lutheran and Baptist churches. Traditional Indigenous religions were not recognised
or even banned and missionary efforts were made to convert the natives. Despite
sectarianism between different denominations, the tradition of Christianity was
dominant in Australia and to some extent shaped the nation's identity. By allowing in
only people from certain European countries the 'White Australia' Policy (enshrined
in the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901) effectively also kept out religious
traditions other than Christianity. Consequently in 1947: 88.0% of Australians
considered themselves Christian, 0.4% Jewish, 0.2% had no religion, and less than
0.1% acknowledged belonging to another religious tradition.
Factors contributing to the decline of Christianity
The 2001 census figures reveal that Christianity is still the numerically largest
religious tradition in Australia accounting for 68.0% of the population. However,
there has been a significant decline in the percentage of people affiliated with
Christianity. Furthermore, of those claiming affiliation there has been a decline in
the regular attendance of religious services. The ongoing decline in most Christian
groups as a percentage of the population is due to increasing secularisation,
dissatisfaction with traditional religious movements, aging membership, and a
lack of migrant intake. Of all the Christian denominations the Anglican, Uniting and
Presbyterian churches have been most acutely affected by this decline in the numbers
of those regularly attending church.
There are a number of factors that need to be considered in attempting to draw
conclusions from this data. Firstly, it needs to be noted that up until recently the
churches themselves collected the only detailed information available on regular
church attendance. Researchers now consider these figures to be overstated. Thus the
slumps in religious observance may not have decreased as drastically as some may
suggest. Secondly, new and emerging forms of religious practice are often not
acknowledged in statistics on church attendance. This means that the plethora of small
informal groupings and individual spiritual pursuits are not acknowledged as religious
practice.
Reasons for the increase in the Catholic figures
In contrast to the general trend of significant decreases in the number of people
affiliated to Christian denominations Catholicism has continued to increase both
numerically and proportionally (from 20.9% in 1947 to 26.6% in 2001) making it
the largest religious group in Australia. Catholicism has been insulated from the effect
of the decline in religious affiliation because of its substantial migrant intake and
slightly higher birth rate. Also, people who are baptised Catholic tend to identify
themselves as Catholic even if they do not practice the religion, whereas those
brought up Protestant who no longer practice would more often no longer consider
themselves affiliated with that denomination.
Reasons for the increase in the Pentecostal figures
The Pentecostal figures also display a resistance to the general trend of decline in
religious affiliation, by continuing to show an increase both numerically and as a
percentage of the population. The increase in the 2001 census was however below
expectations rather than the steep increases of previous years. One possible reason for
this slow down is the so called "revolving door syndrome" which recognises that
large numbers of Pentecostals remain with the church for a relatively short period of
time, often between eighteen months and two years. Another reason for the apparent
slowing in growth of the 2001 figures is because in 2000 Pentecostal leaders
congregated together to form the Australian Christian Churches. These leaders then
encouraged their members to write in Australian Christian Churches rather than
Pentecostal in the 2001 census.
Immigration
Reasons for immigration following World War II
The most significant reason for the increase in the diversity of the religious
character in Australia is immigration. The large number of immigrants since the
Second World War can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, in the aftermath of the
war many Europeans (and some non-European refugees) whose families and homes
had been devastated sought to start a new life in a safer and more secure environment.
Secondly, the Australian government during this time actively sought immigration in
the belief the nation's security and economic prosperity was dependant upon a
significant increase to its population. To achieve this, the Australian government
offered assisted passage to migrants hoping to entice them to come to Australia.
Thirdly, the decline of the 'White Australia' policy up to its final demise in 1973
meant that the migration of people from a greater variety of ethnic groups became
easier. Fourthly, overseas wars and persecution have led to waves of immigration
from affected areas - e.g. Vietnam (1970s); Lebanon (1980s); Afghanistan, Bosnia
and Herzegovina (1990s).
Immigration has changed Australia into a multifaith society
Immigration has greatly increased the number of people affiliated with religious
traditions other than Christianity. Two-thirds of Australia's Muslim community were
born overseas, coming from over 70 different countries. The main sources of Islamic
immigration are the Middle East (particularly Lebanon, Iraq and Iran), Europe (
Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Asia ( Malaysia and Indonesia).
The growth of Buddhism is the result of immigration from troubled areas of the
Indo-Chinese Peninsula - that is from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. In recent years,
Buddhist figures have further increased as a result of immigration from Malaysia,
Thailand, Hong Kong and China. Significant numbers of Jews have also migrated
from a variety of European origins. Hindu figures in Australia have also been
increased as a result of immigration from India and Fiji.
Impact of immigration on Christian membership in Australia
As a result of immigration there has been a significant change to the previously
predominantly Anglo-Celtic membership of the Christian tradition. Many migrants
from Eastern Europe have brought their Orthodox denomination of Christianity to
Australia and this is particularly evident in Sydney and Melbourne. The increase in
the number of Catholics in Australia in the post World War Two period is largely the
result of immigration from Mediterranean countries (especially Italy and Malta) as
well as some from Eastern Europe ( Poland and the Ukraine). More recently, Roman
Catholic figures have increased as a result of immigration from Asia ( Vietnam and
the Philippines), Latin America and Africa. In addition to the Roman Catholic
population, Eastern Catholics (Maronite, Melkite and Ukrainian rite Catholics) have
also immigrated. There is a significant population of Maronite Catholics who have
mostly come from Lebanon in the Middle East. These successive waves of
immigration have significantly altered the ethnic mix of Catholicism - from being
predominantly Irish to becoming the most multicultural of faiths in Australia - while
at the same time contributing to its growth in comparison to other Christian
denominations such as the Anglicanism.
Denominational switching
Reasons for denominational switching
Denominational switching refers to the transfer of followers from one Christian
denomination to another. This phenomenon is far more common in Protestant
denominations than in Catholic or Orthodox groups. Catholic and Orthodox
Christians tend to have a higher level of denominational loyalty based on their
appreciation of their own distinctive histories, traditions and liturgies.
Protestants, especially younger ones, will more often 'shop around' for a new
denomination based on factors such as liking the minister, style of worship and music,
proximity to home, sense of community and activities (such as prayer groups, Bible
studies and youth groups) provided by a particular congregation. People no longer
remain in a particular denomination simply because their parents and grand-parents
belonged to it or because they share the same ethnic background with other church
members.
In contemporary society loyalty to a particular community has to be earned. With the
contemporary ethos of individualism people focus on their personal needs rather than
the needs of their traditional communities. People are looking around for the 'right'
congregation in which to get involved - one that meets their needs, expresses their
faith in culturally appropriate ways and addresses their concerns in meaningful ways.
Characteristics of Pentecostalism
The ongoing growth of Pentecostalism is largely based on denominational switching
from other non-Pentecostal Protestant churches. Pentecostalism is an evangelical
and charismatic strand of the Christian tradition. Evangelical Christians place
great emphasis on personal conversion, a fundamentalist/literal approach to the Bible
and downplays the importance of liturgy and ritual, focusing rather on dynamic
preaching of the scripture. Charismatic Christians place a strong emphasis on the gifts
of the Holy Spirit such as 'speaking in tongues', prophecy and faith healing. The 1996
census reported a massive increase of 60% in the Pentecostal figures over the past
10 years. This is partly due to the fact that Pentecostal groups attract many people
who have been disaffected by other Christian communities.
Pentecostalism is well known for its emphasis on music (e.g. Hillsong), especially
contemporary music with sophisticated production and presentation. This is
particularly appealing to the younger generation who often express dissatisfaction
with the staid nature of worship in traditional churches. Many people also chose to
join Pentecostal denominations because of the strong sense of community and
charismatic leaders.
However, research indicates that many people leave Pentecostalism after about two
years - indicating that for many it is exciting and involving in the short term but
unfulfilling in the long run. This phenomenon is known as the 'revolving door
syndrome'.
Historically , Pentecostalism has seen increases in membership during times of
uncertainty and anxiety. Many believe that the economic uncertainty and pessimism,
which has characterised much of the past two decades, has contributed greatly to the
attraction of a religious way of life, which offers clear cut and definite answers to
complex and often troubling circumstances.
Rise of New age religions
Definition
It is difficult to define precisely what a new age religion is, because new age religions
are extremely diverse in nature. The term "new age" should be understood as a kind of
umbrella term to cover a range of spiritual beliefs and practices aiming to foster
individual fulfilment in the form of personal happiness, health and meaning in
life. New age religions can be followed as an alternative to, or in conjunction with,
other more traditional religious practices.
Characteristics of new age religion
Despite the diversity there are some characteristics that are common across many new
age religions. New age religions tend to be individualistic and search oriented rather
than focused on an established tradition that has an established community, official
doctrine and structures of authority.
They often involve a focus upon the development of the self and the exploration of
individual spirituality, and the notion that the divine exists within each person.
Mystical experiences or higher states of consciousness are often important. New age
religions often seek wisdom in ancient and Eastern traditions, such as Buddhism,
Hinduism and Sufism, but only accept the teachings that suit them rather than the
whole integrated worldview.
Many new age religions are attracted by indigenous spirituality and may chose to
pick out elements of the belief systems of indigenous religions including Celtic,
Native American, African and Australian Aboriginal. Consequently, new age
religions generally favour a creation centred spirituality - the belief that the
transcendent is found through the natural world.
Many followers of new age religions would reject monotheism, the belief in a single
transcendent God, but might accept a Goddess (often called "Gaia" or the "Earth
Mother"), many gods (polytheism), worship of nature (pantheism) and/or the belief
that everything is one (monism). These inclinations suggest a rejection of traditional
Western Christianity which is blamed for many of the current world problems.
Reasons for the popularity of new age religion
The popularity of new age religions can be attributed to various factors. One
significant reason for their popularity is that new age religions are individualistic and
liberal in the sense that it is the type of spirituality in which a person can pick and
choose which beliefs and practices to follow and hence tailor a 'religion' to suit their
individual preferences.
Many people supplement traditional religion with aspects of new age spiritualities. It
is not uncommon for a person practising a traditional religion such as Christianity or
Islam to also take up a practice associated with new age spiritualities such as feng shui
or numerology.
Another significant reason why new age religions are increasingly popular is because
despite general dissatisfaction at mainstream religions there is still a longing for a
spiritual dimension to life. It can be said that the new age movement developed as a
reaction against what some perceived as the failure of Christianity and the failure of
secular humanism to provide spiritual and ethical guidance in the contemporary
world.
The idea of straying away from one's own cultural and spiritual traditions to find
personal fulfilment and discover one's own spirituality can be traced back to the social
revolution which took place in the 1960s. A critical part of this reaction against
traditional Western Christianity, which many saw as rigid and staid, is a shift away
from external means of salvation and a re-emphasis on creation centred spirituality,
which uses nature mysticism to promote personal, social and ecological harmony.
A final reason as to why some new age religions are so popular is some of their
practices claim to be a supernatural means of curing sickness, predicting the future,
or gaining personal wealth.
Various forms of new age religion
New age religions come in many forms. Some new age religions include beliefs
about the power of certain physical designs and objects. Other new age movements
centre on animals or other parts of creation as being the key to harmony and
wellbeing. Examples of new age spiritualities include:
1. Numerology, which is belief that certain numbers and patterns of numbers
hold the key to understanding human existence.
2. Astrology, which is based on the principal that the reading of the stars in
conjunction with the time of birth to predict a person's individual traits and
anticipate the future course of their lives. The instrument used to determine
these predictions is called a horoscope.
3. Yoga and tai chi, which are used by people as forms of gentle exercise,
meditation and relaxation. It is believed that such use of yoga and tai chi will
lead to a healthier more peaceful life. Yoga and tai chi however, in their pure
forms are part of the Hindu and Tao religions; many people however practice
them without reference to their broader religious context.
4. Feng shui, which is the belief that the strategic placement of furniture and
possessions can lead to greater harmony and well being in life. It originated in
Taoism.
5. Transcendental meditation is a technique of mediation that is believed to
enable a person to move beyond or transcend their present existence to make
contact with another plane of existence.
6. Paganism, which is a collection of diverse contemporary spiritualities rooted
in ancient indigenous traditions, deriving inspiration from them, drawing upon
their myths and symbols and often invoking their many gods. It is
characterised by a belief in the interconnection of all life, personal autonomy,
and immanent divinities. It is nature-centred and supportive of gender equity.
Wicca, or Witchcraft, is a type of paganism that practices magick as a tool for
personal and global transformation.
Secularism
Definition
Secularism is the belief that religion should not interfere with or be integrated into
the public affairs of a society. Philosophically secularism refers to the belief that
human ethics and the universe should be understood without reference to religion or
the supernatural. Politically secularism refers to the belief that religion should not
interfere with the political running of the state. Thus, secularism promotes the idea
that society would be better off by not being controlled by religion.
Reasons for secularisation
Secularisation is the process of a society becoming more secular, i.e. less religious.
Secularisation can be seen in the diminishing relevance of religious values for the
integration and legitimation of everyday life in society. The declines in religious
affiliation, church attendance, prayer, numbers of clergy and religious orders are all
signs of secularisation.
Reasons for secularisation include: increasing pluralism (diversity of beliefs and
cultures) in Australia means that no single religious belief system is dominant;
increasing individualism means that people do not look to traditional communities
for meaning in their lives; increasing materialism means that spirituality is often
ignored in favour of possessions, power, looks and fame; increasing disillusionment
with traditional religions for hypocrisy, abuse of power and/or irrelevance means
that religions have lost moral authority and respect; and increasing scepticism
towards the supernatural due to scientific progress that means that there are more
atheists and agnostics in society. Secularisation of society indicates that more and
more people are comfortable to live their lives without reference to religion or God.
Significant increase in the number of people writing "No religion"
The most telling evidence of this trend of secularisation is the significant increase in
the number of people responding "No Religion" in the census. In 1947 there were
only 0.3% of the population that stated they followed "No Religion". This increased
significantly to 16.1% in 1996, but has dropped slightly to 15.5% in 2001.
The increase in "No Religion" is particularly pronounced in the younger age
categories. The increases in the number of people responded "No Religion" should be
read along with the decreasing proportions of Australians claiming religious
affiliation and the decline in church attendance. What these figures reveal is that it has
become increasing acceptable in contemporary Australian society to have no religious
affiliation or to not participate in one's nominal religion.