1. ASSOCIATIONS TO THE RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPE OF AUSTRALIA Claire Crighton

2.  Denominational switching – relates to the transfer of Christian followers from one branch of Christianity to another.  New Age Movement – is a Western spiritual movement from the late 20 th Century that sees the development of the New Age Religion.  Secularism – looks to exclude religion from any civil affairs and politics.  General understanding of such affects  The landscape today and how its changed/developed –  Statistical evidence of such trends  Explore examples of 3 aspects (d- switching, NAM, Sec)  Communicate opinion of their impact. DefinitionsBrief Overview

3. Since WW2 and the lifting of the White Australia policy, the increase of immigration has seen the increase of cultural diversity and the creation of multicultural and multi faith Australia. Multi-faith Australia

4. Religious Landscape Today  With the increasing interest in alternate branches of Christianity, New Age religious phenomena and the ideals of a Secularist nation, Australia’s religious landscape can be seen in a rapid development of social reflection and exploration of their own religious identity.  i.e. Pentecostalism, New Age religion and Secularist Party Australia.  With the increasing interest in alternate branches of Christianity, New Age religious phenomena and the ideals of a Secularist nation, Australia’s religious landscape can be seen in a rapid development of social reflection and exploration of their own religious identity.  i.e. Pentecostalism, New Age religion and Secularist Party Australia.

5. Census Statistics

6. Trends in Statistics  1947 (post WW2), 88% Total Christianity and 0.3% ‘no religion’  2006, 63.9% Total Christianity and 18.7% ‘no religion’  2006, 80% of 65year olds Christian – 55% of 18-24year olds  1947 (post WW2), 88% Total Christianity and 0.3% ‘no religion’  2006, 63.9% Total Christianity and 18.7% ‘no religion’  2006, 80% of 65year olds Christian – 55% of 18-24year olds  Slow decline in Christianity and obvious increase in ‘no religion’ **suggests shift in the value of religion or spiritual approach in Australian society**  Slow decline in Christianity and obvious increase in ‘no religion’ **suggests shift in the value of religion or spiritual approach in Australian society**

7. http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/d3310114.nsf /home/Population%20Pyramid%20- %20Australia Population Graph

8. As a strong part of the ever shifting landscape of Australia’s religious affiliations, denominational switching outlines the continuous re-establishment and refinement of the many sectors of Christianity. Denominational Switching

9. Denominational switching There are many reasons to change faith…  Convenience  Community  Understanding

11. Denominational switching mania! Made up mostly of people coming from other Christian denominations. Pentecostalism

12.  In the 2006 Australian Census, it was found that Pentecostalism in Australia was 219,688 people strong, making up roughly 1.11% of the Australian belief landscape. 53.96% were female, with the majority of them being in the 5 to 14 age group. The majority of males were aged in the 15 to 24 range. In terms of wealth, it was found that the average 2008 house price across the top 10 regions featuring Pentecostalism as a belief was $314,200, with the average income being around $373 a week. 31.38% of all Pentecostalism in Australia can be found in New South Wales. The Pentecostal religious group includes Apostolic Church (Australia), Assemblies of God, Bethesda Churches, Christian City Church, Christian Life Churches International, Christian Outreach Centres, Christian Revival Crusade, Faith Churches, Foursquare Gospel Church, Full Gospel Church, Revival Centres, Rhema Family Church, and United Pentecostal.New South Wales THE FACTS!!!

15. As a fresh establishment of democratic and individualistic ideas into the merging of Western and Eastern spiritual and metaphysical traditions. New Age Religion

16. Progress - Origins  Popularised in America in the 80’s  meditation, channelling, reincarnation, psychic experience, crystals, holistic health, environmentalism and of course the wonders of the world such as UFO's and Crop Circles.

17. ‘...characterized by an individual eclectic approach to spiritual exploration. Collectively, New Age has some attributes of an emergent religion, but is currently a loose network of spiritual teachers, healers, and seekers.’ http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/sociopol_newage04.htm#Definitions Summing up N.A.M

18. Tradition Fears Change An excerpt taken from the Australian Christian Library website, written by Rev. Paul Seiler  17.2 CHRISTIANS NEED TO BE AWARE OF THIS MOVEMENT.  Christians in Australia need to be informed about the New Age Movement. This religion is having a significant impact on the way people think in Australia today. Many people in Australia have had their thinking influenced by this movement unbeknowns to them. These ideas are being promoted through such films as Star Wars and through television. If we are to effectively evangelise people in Australia today we need to be aware of the impact of this movement. We need to be able to demonstrate the errors of this system of belief. The fact is that even some Christians are being unwittingly absorbed into New Age thinking.

19. A controversial topic on the separation of religion and politics bares important acknowledgement in the shaping of Australia’s religious landscape. The Ideals of Secularism

20. Secularism is a widely supported cause both in Australia and internationally. It aims to disregard and take away religion from civil and political affairs. Secularism in Religious Landscape

22. Organisations & Discussion Forums