Question 1. Using the graph above and your own knowledge,
account for the changing patterns of Anglican adherents
offering two statements of support for the trend. Identify
how this trend impacts on two other identified groups in the
graph.
The graph above shows a gradual decrease in the number of Anglican adherents from the years
1901-2006. This is attributed to many varying aspects of Australian multi-faith, multi-cultural society.
Denominational switching can be held largely accountable for the decline in Anglican adherents over
the years. Pentecostalism has become highly appealing to modern day Christians as it offers
enthusiastic worship and individual fulfilment. Loyalty is a major element within denominational
switching and the graph shows the rise in Catholic adherents as followers of the Catholic
denomination are extremely loyal and a portion of Anglicans make the switch to Catholicism. The
opportunity to state “No Religion” on the census since 1971 has provided a broader religious
spectrum to be identified as evident in the graph due to the increasing amount of people ticking “No
Religion”. The rise in this percentage is at the price of turn down in other religion percentages such
as Anglicanism.
Question 2. Using the Major Religious Affiliations Chart and
your own knowledge, account for the change in the number
of adherents of other religious traditions other than
Christianity after World War II. (5 marks)
The chart depicts an increase in adherents affiliated with ‘other religions’ and ‘no religion’ and also a
fluctuation in the percentage of people whom have inadequately answered the question. The cause
of these changes is attributed to the modification of the immigration policy after WWII. The
government needed to expand the labour force for economic stability and social density hence the
slogan “populate or perish”. The grow in the percentage of other religions is majorly due to the
lifting of the White Australia policy in 1972 which allowed for a more diverse, multi-faith, multicultural Australia and the possibility of religious plurality. The dissatisfaction with traditional
religions as well as the rising materialism and individualism of people in contemporary society can be
held accountable for the continual increase in the amount of people affiliating with ‘no religion’ or
whom have inadequately answered the question. The chart shows that figures for ‘no religion’ have
increased from o.3% in 1947 to 15.5% in 2001 and also a fluctuation between 6.2% and 11.7% for
people not stating religion/inadequately answering the question.
Question 3. Using the pie chart and your own knowledge,
explain why the percentage of population responding 'No
Religion' or 'Religion Not Stated' in the 2006 census makes up
30% of the total population. What effects has this increase
had on Christianity and other world religions? In your
response make reference to Secularism and New Age
Religion.
The pie chart shows 18.7% of people aligning with ‘No Religion’ and 11.2% of people not
stating their religion. The concept of secularism is becoming appealing in the modern day as
people have become more independent and materialistic the belief that religion should not
be integrated into public affairs has become more and more attractive. The decline in
importance of community and community-based religions along with the dissatisfaction with
traditional religions (in particular Western) has seen the decrease in religious attendance as the
2002 Well Being and Security survey estimated only 18.6% of Australians attend once a month
religious services. The individualistic nature of society has lead to the rise in New Age religions or
movements and by comparing the pie chart with the previous major religious affiliations chart, we
can identify the dramatic increase in the amount of non-religious and new age people’s in contrast
to the percentage of other religions such as Christianity. The pie chart shows an approximate of 55%
of Christian variations in Australia. Although this is a large portion the percentage has been
decreasing as a result of rising New Age Religions. Previous to these statistics figures for Christianity
fell from 87.3% in 1947 to 67.9% in 2001. The definition of religion, the personal spiritual pursuit of
an individual as well as the idea of secularism is accountable for the increase in non-religious
people’s and the detrimental effects on Christianity.
Question 4. With reference to the table above and your own
knowledge, explain the reasons for the rise in Pentecostal
adherents from 2001 to 2006.
Between the years 2001 and 2006 the table shows there has been a 12.897% increase in the
amount of Pentecostal adherents. Pentecostal adherents have been on a rise since 1961 and
this is due to many reasons still crucial today in the 21st Century. Generally it is perceived as
a more lively, energetic Church with a high entertainment value of the services. It also
appeals as it is a more relevant Church to today, incorporating modern music and focusing
on self-spiritual fulfilment hence catering to the needs of individualistic people. Although it
does focus on the self and personal needs it conjunctively emphasizes a strong sense of
community and offers spiritual support appealing to those with varying spiritual criteria.
However the main reason for the rise in Pentecostal adherents is attributed to the
phenomena known as Denominational switching. This is mainly apparent when followers
change from Anglicanism to Pentecostalism as the table shows a decrease of 4.197% in the
Anglican Church. This can be for many reasons; in this case it is due to the charismatic
nature of worship and the greater focus on the gifts of the Holy Spirit that has lead to the
appeal of Pentecostalism. To this effect the Pentecostal denomination have the highest
figures of Church attendance and their believer population is on the increase.
Question 5. Using the graph above and your own knowledge
account for the trend of Christian adherents and the impact
of this trend on two other mentioned groups.
The graph shows that the majority of Christian adherent percentages are from elderly
people aged 55 plus as there is a high range of 70-80% of followers within the age group.
This is accountable for the conservative nature and religious loyalty to people of that age
group and the insignificance ideals of New Age Religions have to them. The loyalty to
Christianity in particular Catholicism is accountable for early worship where individualistic
concepts were irrelevant and community was emphasized (WWI, WWII etc). Experience and
accumulative faith through the years has lead to a high percentage of followers in the older
age groups. The chart shows that number among the youth and adults are fluctuate
between 58 and 65%, although relatively high there is a noticeably larger portion of ‘no
religion’ and ‘religion not stated’ people among these younger age groups. The trend shows
that there is a greater amount of non-religious people in the youth than the elderly. To this
effect there is a smaller amount of Christian followers in the youth even given the
considerable population in contrast to the older age groups. This can be heavily attributed
to the relationship and exposure contemporary youth have with media such as the internet,
film and music. This has lead to the popularisation of New Age Religions and the concept of
having a Religion as the graph shows younger age groups are much more religiously
distinctive than the older age groups.
Question 6. "It is believed that the future of Catholicism looks
promising when compared to other Christian denominations".
Account for TWO pieces of statistical evidence from the
above 20680 - Religious Affiliation by Age - Time Series
Statistics (1996, 2001, 2006 Census Years) - Australia that
supports this statement.
The future of Catholicism is promising compared to other denominations due to the loyalty
forged by Catholic adherents which is further enforced by the strong communal schooling
system. In terms of denominational switching Catholicism is hardly effected as it’s adherents
have a strong sense of faith within Catholicism leading to their devotion to the
denomination. From the chart we can see that initial statistics in 1996 for Catholicism there
is a total of 4798950 adherents across all age groups whilst in Anglicanism there is a total of
3903324 supporters. From 1996 to 2006 the number of Catholics have increased to a total
of 5126880 whilst the number of Anglicans have decreased to 3718252 believers. The quote
states the concept of the future in relation to promising Catholic devotees, this can be
analysed by focusing on the statistics given for the youth age groups as they are in effect the
future. The 2006 chart shows a promising amount of 1081231 believers aged between 0-14
for Catholicism, while in contrast shows a gradually decreasing amount (from previous two
charts) of 565006 for Anglicanism. The amount of supporters for Anglicans continues to
decrease as the youth age groups progress, whilst the Catholic statistics also decrease they
are still relatively higher than those of the Anglican denomination and other Christian
denominations.
Question 7. ‘The churches should act together in all matters
except those in which deep
differences of conviction compel them to act separately.’
Conference on Faith and Order, 1952
Using the above statement and your own knowledge,
describe the impact of Christian
ecumenical movements in Australia.
Ecumenism in Australia is an intra-faith initiative which does not seek to combine all under
one Church but a movement that probes the acknowledgement of Christ and places
emphasis on unity in Christ during social and political matters, whilst at the same time
understanding each denominations diversity and beliefs. Ecumenical movements have had a
large impact in Australian society and on many levels. Joint commissions such as the
Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) seek to find official agreements
between denominations which would have usually divided them. This is done through
discussions and forums on topics such as Mary and the Eucharist. The above statement
defines the need for harmony amongst denominations within Christianity but at the same
time a mutual understanding of each other’s beliefs is recognized. Social Justice initiatives
such as Christian World services along with welfare agencies work together to cater to
tragedies such as the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. The division that existed without efforts of
understanding is fading as ecumenical movements are helping to shape Christianity on
common grounds not necessarily on one ground. As well as the commission and social
initiatives there are educational initiatives with the emergence of the Sydney College of
divinity and the growing emphasis on interdenominational prayer groups being formed in
local parishes.
Question 8. List two initiatives of the National Council of
Churches and the New South Wales Ecumenical council and
explain how they are ecumenical in nature and the impact on
Australian society.
The National Council of Chruches (NCCA) seeks to strengthen Christian unity in Australia by
leading different denominations off to work, pray and grow together. It’s impact is evident
in it’s Christian World Service and aid and development initiative which works with those
whom are victims of suffering, poverty and social injustice. In Australia this initiative targets
refugees and are supported by advocacy, education and ecumenical networks. The NCCA
also seek to cater to women’s needs through gender commissioning. This is significant in
Australia as there is a high rise of feminism leading to the increase and appeal of New Age
Religions. The NCCA’s initiatives are ecumenical in nature because they encourage an
understanding of each denominations commonalities and diversities through working
together on commissions and such. They focus on the expression of unity in Christ’s will
rather than seeking to forcibly unite with disregard to differences. The NSW Ecumenical
councils initiatives are designed to provide opportunity for denominations to interact. The
Social justice initiatives allow for denominations to address social issues together a prime
example would be the setting up of the House of Welcome which was incorporated to aid
refugees. Another core initiative is the reflection upon theology. This allows for
denominations to discuss their perspectives on theology not in dispute but in
acknowledgement of each other. These initiatives promote an understanding rather than
outline it, this is why they are ecumenical in nature. Nonetheless they have provided cooperation amongst the Christian religion which in turn work together to aid issues in
Australian society, leading to greater sense of understanding and tolerance in the
community.
Question 9. With reference to one Interfaith initiative assess
the importance of interfaith dialogue in multifaith Australia...
(5 marks)
Interfaith dialogue seeks to take benefit of multicultural multifaith Australia and to help
preserve and strengthen this diversity within society. An example of an interfaith initiative is
the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim relations which was established in Sydney in
1997. The centre aids in fostering the relationship between both the Christian and Islam
communities through various means. Through organising dialogues and seminars it provides
a ground for Christian and Muslims to converse and learn about each other’s beliefs. This
helps to address misconceptions and break stereotypical views about the other religion
through gaining a better understanding. This interfaith dialogue is highly significant
especially in a multifaith country like Australia where stereotypical perceptions are vibrant
in contemporary society. These perceptions are in effect due to historical conflicts, in this
case the crusades, but these interfaith initiatives are important in the sense that they
promote cooperation and seek to link faiths via furthering understandings and
commonalities.
Interreligious Dialogue – a risk or an
opportunity?
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran
What exactly is the aim of interreligious dialogue, and what hope does it
offer? Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for
Interreligious Dialogue, argues that if we are realistic about our differences
and can respect the beliefs of others without compromising our own faith,
believers of different backgrounds can together help to prevent the world
from turning its back on God.
With reference to the above statement and your own
knowledge recommend two ways that interfaith dialogue can
prevent Australians from turning away from God
Interfaith dialogue is aimed at developing a greater understanding between different faiths
in hope to forge harmony and peace within society. In answer to the above quote’s title
interreligious dialogue is in effect an opportunity as it provides a means where religions can
work together without conflict, in order to solve contemporary issues in Australian society.
Secularisation has come about due to the belief that religion should not be integrated into
social affairs. This is because people have become more individualistic and are dissatisfied
with traditional religions. If traditional religions can unite on perspectives regarding issues,
through interreligious dialogue, then religion would have a much more significant
importance within discussing issues in Australian society. This is because it would represent
a broader spectrum of multicultural multifaith peoples sharing a common view on an issue.
As the quote states interreligious dialogue is about respecting “the beliefs of others without
compromising our own faith”. By preventing society from turning its back on God there
must exist a great level of spirituality and religious significance regarding everyday life. This
can be achieved through tolerance, harmony and acceptance. Interreligious dialogue helps
in recognizing differences and commonalities between religions but also aids in respecting
these aspects. Learning about another religion helps strengthen one’s own faith and the
idea of having a religion in itself. It is through proclaiming the importance of faith in an
increasingly secularised society, that via interreligious dialogue and it’s oppurtunities
Australians can be prevented from turning away from God.