Religious expression in

Australia – 1945 to the present

Religion and Belief Systems in Australia post-1945

outline changing patterns of religious adherence from 1945 to the present using census data

Decline in Anglican figures

Numerical increase in Catholic figures

Decline in Presbyterian and Uniting Church figures

Numerical increase in Orthodox figures

Steady growth in Pentecostal figures

Rise of secularism

Jewish figures have remained steady

Steady increase in Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist figures

account for the present religious landscape in Australia in relation to:

Christianity as the major religious tradition

immigration

denominational switching

rise of New Age religions

secularism

Christianity as the major religious

tradition

Colonisation

Migration

White Australia Policy

Immigration

WarWWIIVietnam

White Australia Policy

Assisted passage schemes

Non Christian Traditions

Denominational switching

Rise in variation of Christian denominations

Revolving Door Syndrome

Rise of New age religions

Focus on self and individual fulfillment

Inspired by Eastern and indigenous concepts

Response to a rejection of organised religion but still a need for ‘spirituality’

Various forms

Secularism

Pluralism

Individualism

Materialism

Skepticism