The 2006 census has been published, and amongst many interesting trends, the figures show that people of “no religion” numbered 3.7 million at the time of the census - only 11,691 fewer than the number of Anglicans, and 18.7% of the population. In fact, if the different Christian denominations are treated separately, people of no religion now form the equal second largest group in terms of belief (Catholics numbered 5.1 million at the time of the census).
The category of “no religion” includes “no religion”, “atheism”, “agnosticism”, “humanism” and “rationalism”. It does not include ‘new age’ beliefs. The 2006 result respresents an increase of 3.2 percent since 2001.
The Australian has some commentary here, but predictably tries to link a rise in atheism to ‘hedonism’ or the fact that ‘Generation Y’ has never had to suffer through hard times (and presumably has not needed the crutch of religion as a result).
You can download the results regarding religion here.
Photo by Hiddenson - “an opening into the light beyond the darkness.”
I think that it’s partially as a result of increased miscegenation. The more you marry “in” to a community, the more a religion and culture is continued. This is why ultra-Orthodox Jews, for example, only want to marry other Jews.
My grandpa was Protestant and my grandmother was Catholic. They had a very negative reaction from their families when they married. Only grandma’s brother Mick came to the wedding. And then the local priest abused my grandmother for “marrying out” when my father was born. She still believed in God, she was still a Catholic to her dying day (and was buried as one) but she didn’t make her children adopt her religion.
So now my Dad’s “no religion”, and I’m “no religion” as well. Hoorah for no religion! My kids can marry whomever they like and be friends with whomever they like. The only downside is that religion can give you a community, and provide ceremonies for life’s important events.
My Jewish and Muslim friends always give me Christmas presents many years, even when I ask them not to do so. I think they feel sorry for me because I don’t really have any religious festivals to celebrate. I don’t mind. I’ll just celebrate everyone’s religious festivals with them!
I find the decline of religion in liberal democracies, which is often decried, quite fascinating. It strikes me that once people are free to do as they wish they no longer need the social/familial structures imposed by religion, and they no longer need the rationalisations and rules set down by religion to help them accept their surroundings.
And this is exactly what we need to address!! Rebuilding civil society and the local and neighbourhood community around a secular core, rather than the go-to-church-or-burn core.
I’d agree that we should celebrate everyone’s religious ceremonies - but only because we need more time off!
We do live in a World becoming more secular. As a Christian I can say that to me this is nothing to despair about (because with this happening the final Biblical prophecies are unfolding too). This could be an opportunity of a wider discussion to take place within communities on faith, morals and values, or mabey it will result in outright hostility which woould be a tremendous shame.
But I do hope for a better tomorrow, no matter what may happen. Some may call me an optimist! ;^)
wtf f off douchebag
a JIHAD on your company