Australians and the church in changing times

Australians & the Churchin Changing Times:

Attitudes to Christianity & the Church.

Mark McCrindle

Friday 5 October 2012

61.1%

2.2%2.5%

1.3%0.5%

0.8%

22.3%

8.6%

Religious Affiliation

Source: ABS Census 2011 Data

61.1%

2.2%2.5%

1.3%0.5%

0.8%

22.3%

8.6%

Australians & Religion:“Christian”, “Spiritual” & “None”.

What is your religion?

Spirituality & Religion Defined

Spirituality = “Self awareness”

= “A deeper connection”

Religion = “Attendance”

= “Tasks”

= “Obligations”

Population Change & the Church

11.5 million 23 million

Population Change & the Church

11.5 million2.6 million at church

23 million1.6 million at church

70+9% adults21% church

Builders Generation: Retirees

60-69:12% adults17% church50-59:16% adults19% church

Baby Boomers: Empty Nesters

40-49:17% adults18% church30-39:17% adults12% church

Generation X: Young Families

20-29:20% adults8% church

Generation Y: Emerging Adults

15-19:9% adults6% church

Generation Z: Youth

Christianity’s Top Ten Belief Blockers(5 related to perceptions of current practice)

• Exclusivity

• Issues around money

• Authoritarian

• Hypocrisy/Judging

• Outdated

Belief blockers:Christianity & the Church (“massive negative”)

Not open to changeTo what extent do the following attract or repel you...?

Significant “warmth”towards Christianity

Mod

ified

En

gel S

cale

What best describes your current beliefs & attitudes towards Christianity?

Why I don’t go

Outgrowing Religion

What best describes your current religious status?

Religious identity, but less activity

How active are you in practicing your religion?

Religious conversations:not routine, but not taboo.

Do you ever talk about spirituality or religion when you gather with friends?

Significant belief in Jesus

Was Jesus a real person from history?

When did Jesus live?

Reasonable acceptance of the miraculous

To what extent do you believe the following?

Surprising knowledge of Jesus’ words

Which of the following statements can be accurately attributed to Jesus?