1. Account for the present religions landscape in Australia in relation t:
Christianity as the major tradition
Immigration
Denominational switching
Rise of new age religions
Secularism
In Australia there are five major points that some up Australia’s current religious
involvements.
First off with Christianity being the major tradition in Australia today. Although
this may be the case in Australia, however as time progesses there has been a
significant decline in the number of people attending religions services and
practices throughout Australia. Roman Catholics are continuing to increase but
not at the rate of population due to it’s younger membership and migrant intake.
Next is the immigration within Australia. The changes immigration within
Australia has changed it from being a sort of one nation and one faith to a multi
cultural to a multi faith country to live in. After the end of the white Australia
policy after WWII, Australia has been much more diverse in migration and has
resulted in a increase in the number of religions and groupings. Migration after
WWII has led to an increased number in Catholics. Which also increased the
number of orthodox Christians. With the more people migrating to Australia it
has also brought an increase of people who are Buddhist, Muslim, Hindus and
Jews. With all these different people and religions moving onto Australian soil, it
has led to a greater appreciation of the diversity.
Australia is also home to denominational switching between religions which
comprises of people switching different religions, groups and communities.
Denominational switching however is far more common in the Protestant
churches rather Catholic churches. People mainly do this as a result of not being
able to connect with the group or religion.
As well as all this there have also been a rise of new ages of religions. New age
religions are characterized by their adaptation of different elements from
eastern religions and their rejection towards the western views as well as the
fact that the eastern side favors spiritulality. Examples of New Age religions
include groups such as, fengshui, yoga, tai chi and astrology. The focus of New
Age religions is on self and individual fulfillment.
Lastly is secularism which is the belief that a religion should not interfere with or
be questioned in public affairs of society. Which results in increasing pluralism
and materialism of society alongside societies ever increasing individualism and
dissatisfaction with traditional regions. A lot of people are very skeptical when it
comes down to many religions. They still don’t know if they believe it or not.