Religious Landscape in Australia Post 1945

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Lloyd Ruz; Mr. Ciaschetti                Page  of

Studies of Religion 2 Unit HSC Course                February 2008

St Mary’s Cathedral College

HSC Course Studies of Religion II

Research Assignment: Religious Landscape in Australia Post 1945

The religious landscape in Australia is diverse and changing. Many aspects of this landscape have changed since 1945 through to the present, some of these include: denominational switching, the rise of new age religions and secularism. In addition to this, the notion of non-religion has been a growing reality for many Australians; this can be explored through an observation of humanism. Each of these aspects has helped to shape Australia’s present religious landscape.

Denominational switching is a phenomenon that has occurred largely in the Christian religious tradition. It involves people (usually young people) moving to another denomination under the same umbrella of a single religious tradition (for example, a Catholic believer joining the Assemblies of God). ‘Switchers’ usually move over to more modern, Pentecostal denominations, such as Hillsong (an Australian branch of Assemblies of God). The vast majority of people that change denominations are young people between the ages of 15 and 24. This trend has increased over that last ten years, as shown in the 1996, 2001 and 2006 census data. Over the 10-year period from 1996 to 2006, traditional Christian denominations have seen a decline in 15 – 24 year olds whereas Pentecostal denominations have seen a slight increase. It is important to note that the ‘slight increase’ is due to a fundamental aspect of denominational switching: lots of people ‘switch’ in but lots switch out as well (humorously coined: ‘revolving door syndrome’).

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A large number of people that move over to Pentecostal churches, within two years, have returned to their original denomination. This occurs most commonly, again, in the 15 – 24 age bracket. The National Church Life Survey has shown that one third of Pentecostals in the 1990s either ‘switched out’ or stopped attending church. A possible reason for people leaving these churches is the Pentecostal focus on evangelisation and personal fulfilment, rather than spiritual development and prayerful reflection. An example of this is the Hillsong church (based in Castle Hill, Sydney), which puts an emphasis on “Christian Rock” worship ...

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