This census result is the first time that the number of Australians indicating a belief in Christianity is less than 50 per cent. | Heidi Nicholl | OPINION census
I last went to Sunday school some time back in the mid-’90s. I could probably have done with some divine forgiveness for the acid-washed jeans I was likely to have been wearing. Coming from a mixed Catholic and Protestant background, with a mother who truly believed Jesus’ return was imminent, it’s fair to say that religion was important to me back then.
This census result is also the first time that the number of Australians indicating a belief in Christianity is less than 50 per cent. It’s incredibly apt that these figures come just after the US Supreme Court overturned, an extreme example of how disproportionate the reach of the church can be. A local example is the $1 billion spent on the school chaplaincy program since it was introduced by the Howard government in 2006.
Put simply, society has changed. And the 2021 census results give us a clear idea of exactly how much it has changed, with almost 10 million people now reporting that they are not religious. Plenty of these people are living good, highly contributory lives. It is time we acknowledge it is perfectly possible to be ethical, compassionate and to live a life of meaning without any supernatural beliefs.
Ultimately, giving preferential treatment to religious groups ends up emphasising the differences in our society. By offering different treatment to religious institutions in the form of tax exemptions, and offering different opportunities for funding we are likely to end up with greater inequalities despite the good works that many religious organisations undoubtedly perform.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
More Aussies than ever say they have 'no religion', census data showsThe Australian Bureau of Statistics says almost 40 per cent of the Australian population reported having 'no religion'. 9News
Read more »
Pastafarians from the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster rise up as traditional religions lose membersPirate Priestess Angela Carter and her husband Captain Colin 'Cupcakes' Carter selected 'no religion' on the 2021 Census — and their reason lies in Christianity.
Read more »
Ten things we learned from the 2021 census results: Christianity in decline, Australia hits 25 millionChristianity is in decline, millennials are catching up to boomers, and everyone was at home. Insights from the pandemic census night
Read more »
Teals want ‘special treatment’ before putting their bums on Canberra leather: Kenny
Read more »
‘A great strength for Australian society’: Multicultural leaders praise nation’s ‘growing diversity’Multicultural community leaders have praised Australia’s social and cultural diversity following the release of 2021 Census data showing that nearly half of all Australians are first or second-generation migrants:
Read more »
The changing face of Australia: What the Census 2021 reveals about usThe 2021 Census counted nearly 25.5 million people in Australia and provides insight across a range of areas including cultural diversity, families and homes, and how the country changed during the pandemic.
Read more »