Australians are a proud country and research supports that we are also a Christian nation. Whilst those identifying as Christians is reducing, at the same time that other religions and those who identify as non-religious increases, the citizens of this nation have not lost their spirituality and in particular the Christian values and characteristics that underpin the Australian identity and our way of life. This report will outline the characteristics of a typical Australian; if there is in indeed a ‘typical Australian’ and then analyse the role religious beliefs and practices have played in shaping the Australian identity in terms of values and social perspectives and finally assess whether our identity at risk.
Australia drew on its British …show more content…
According to the Christian Research Association (reference) religious faith has many functions within our lives and society including giving hope and comfort; promoting social justice and equity, encourage compassion and trust (reference). Religion therefore also provides guidance on social and personal behaviour (values) and hence, if 75% of the population today are affiliated with a religion (reference – abs), it must play a significant part in shaping our nation’s identity. Historically during the settlement of Australia in the 18th century, the primary religion was the Anglican Church and over time other Christian churches arrived; Catholic, Methodist and Baptist. At this time 96% of Australians identified as Christian (reference). With the majority of the population affiliated with Christianity it is easy to understand why our national identity is intertwined. Christian values are identified (reference) as kindness and respect for all; equality; humility; honesty; generosity; self control; peace and good will; and a belief in God. If we reflect on the characteristics of the core fundamental values of the Australian population as identified previously, it is very …show more content…
Combined with a shift from less than 2% of the population identifying as non-religious to over 22% in 2011, any analysis on our national identity, needs to focus on whether this will contribute to a change in our inherent values and whether our current way of life is at risk (reference). Multiculturalism has been the greatest contributor to the decline in people being affiliated with the christian faith and the introduction of new religions into our country (reference). There is however some debate both in political circles, religious institutions and the community generally on how the influx of migrants and specific religions is changing our way of life now and into the future. Bishop Tom Frame stated in 2015 that ‘unless there is a turnaround in he fortunes of all community organisation by 2025, the Christian Church will be a marginal player in Australian life’ and he goes on to explain the importance of churches, ensuring that continue to make themselves relevant, they must become more attractive and credible to the current generation of Australians (reference). The issue of immigration and its impact has also spilled over into political life with One
Australia drew on its British …show more content…
According to the Christian Research Association (reference) religious faith has many functions within our lives and society including giving hope and comfort; promoting social justice and equity, encourage compassion and trust (reference). Religion therefore also provides guidance on social and personal behaviour (values) and hence, if 75% of the population today are affiliated with a religion (reference – abs), it must play a significant part in shaping our nation’s identity. Historically during the settlement of Australia in the 18th century, the primary religion was the Anglican Church and over time other Christian churches arrived; Catholic, Methodist and Baptist. At this time 96% of Australians identified as Christian (reference). With the majority of the population affiliated with Christianity it is easy to understand why our national identity is intertwined. Christian values are identified (reference) as kindness and respect for all; equality; humility; honesty; generosity; self control; peace and good will; and a belief in God. If we reflect on the characteristics of the core fundamental values of the Australian population as identified previously, it is very …show more content…
Combined with a shift from less than 2% of the population identifying as non-religious to over 22% in 2011, any analysis on our national identity, needs to focus on whether this will contribute to a change in our inherent values and whether our current way of life is at risk (reference). Multiculturalism has been the greatest contributor to the decline in people being affiliated with the christian faith and the introduction of new religions into our country (reference). There is however some debate both in political circles, religious institutions and the community generally on how the influx of migrants and specific religions is changing our way of life now and into the future. Bishop Tom Frame stated in 2015 that ‘unless there is a turnaround in he fortunes of all community organisation by 2025, the Christian Church will be a marginal player in Australian life’ and he goes on to explain the importance of churches, ensuring that continue to make themselves relevant, they must become more attractive and credible to the current generation of Australians (reference). The issue of immigration and its impact has also spilled over into political life with One