Religion In Australia: Statistics
Here are some interesting religion statistics. According to the ABS 2006 census (the most recent):
- About 13 million or 64% of Australians called themselves “Christian.” However, only about 7.5% attend any church services weekly (NCLS Research 2004).
- The main denominations continue to decline slowly, while 19% of Australians claimed “no religion.” Another two million did not state or adequately describe their religion.
- Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and other religions are still minorities but have also grown, due to increased immigration from the Asian region.
Thinking About The Data
Have another look at that pie chart. If you are independent Baptist or even simply a conservative evangelical, you represent a splinter in that pie. And beyond that “Christian” circle, there are another seven million people. Let’s work more in evangelism and discipleship, and keep our secondary issues … secondary.
Since many Australians still claim a religious background, this means there are plenty of opportunities for evangelism in conversations. Usually you can find some common ground (e.g. belief in God, life after death, moral laws) and progress toward the truths of the Gospel.
I also think Bible-believing churches should ponder more about how to welcome and challenge locals who claim to be Christian but are not regenerate. I’ve often listened to people who were disillusioned by their church in their youth, and they never looked back. While their experience may be a convenient excuse to live their own way, we can still surprise them with God’s love and our commitment to the Word.
One out of five Australians are saying they are not religious. I wonder if our congregations are equipped to relate to the non-religious? We should understand the Gospel in a way that speaks effectively to the atheist or agnostic mind. Without casting pearls, we should be able to give a reasonable defence of the faith and be salt and light in the community.
There are many churches that are mono-cultural, i.e. Anglo or Chinese or Filipino. Nothing wrong with that, but it might limit the church to be perceived only as an “Aussie” church or a “Chinese” church. Perhaps such a church can get involved in an outreach to new immigrants and diversify.
Ben Kwok
When you comment, please keep these guidelines in mind. You can find an explanation of our commenting guidelines here.
Stay connected by subscribing to our RSS or email feed! Or print this post.
Wow. I’m surprised by the dominance of the Catholic/Anglican tradition. I wonder what percentage of those are active…
Thanks for the data and the analysis.
Those numbers will change drastically in the next 20 years or so, as the older “religious” generation dies off and the younger “non-religious” one is counted.
An Anglican friend was saying recently that he thinks that the Catholic and Anglican church will eventually cease to exist and most Christians will be in smaller independent churches or the larger Pentecostal ones. Time will tell.
Some good thoughts on witnessing to people of different backgrounds, you are right, we need to be equipped to give the gospel to all, from atheists to Roman Catholics. The gospel is the same but the presentation and context may be different according to the background of the person.
that sounds rather dire, but at any rate we have work to do whether it’s in season or out of season. What a great opportunity we have!
Thanks for the article Ben – short, sharp and very much hitting the mark.
Though it goes against my better nature to recommend something that comes out of the News Ltd stable, today’s piece by Greg Sheridan is very interesting and highly relevant to the issues you’ve raised. I’ll say no more – have a read:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/attack-on-christianity-will-undermine-society/story-e6frg6zo-1225938377118
Funny, I read that too — he does make good points. I don’t mind reading The Australian, I think it’s more balanced and interesting than SMH for example.
Thanks for the statistics Ben, these (and the helpful pie-chart & graph) paint a stark reality of Australia’s need for prayer, revival and Biblical evangelism.
I like the comment about calling back those who have walked away from the church. Often they have sadly but inadvertently walked away from Christ, when they intended to only reject their denomination. We have a positive message to tell. People can follow Christ without needing to adopt a denominational label. I think Australians are eager to hear this message.
Not surprised really, as an atheist the only advice i’d give to the religious is ‘get used to it’. Its only gonna get worse for you guys and better for society.
@ Ben, how is atheism working out for you and society as a whole? (serious question)
As an Aussie atheist I can answer that.. We’re pretty happy… Put crime rates are no higher than the US, and our economys in pretty good shape… Society’s doing well
It is possible to live happy in chosen ignorance. The problem comes once the athiest dies.