With the Easter period here, it is often a time when Christianity attracts a greater media attention. This article at PerthNOW reveals some interesting research regarding Australian’s religious beliefs.
The nationwide study shows eight out of 10 people accept that Jesus died on the cross and 52 per cent believe he rose from the dead.
“From the marketing world and certain areas of the media, you’d get a sense that Christianity is finished and it (Easter) is all about holidays and chocolates and Easter eggs, but four in five people accept the message of Easter, that Jesus died on the cross, as a historical occurrence,” said social researcher Mark McCrindle.
“This idea of a 21st century sceptical secular mind dominating is not accurate,” Mr McCrindle said.
Overall, 40 per cent described themselves as Christians, with a further 19 per cent saying they were spiritual but had no religion. Nearly a third did not identify with any religion or spiritual belief.
“The research shows people are fine with Jesus, but they have issues with the church. They like the product but they don’t like the retail outlet,” Mr McCrindle said.
Even among those who identified as religious, a quarter did not practise their faith and 42 per cent rarely, if ever, worshipped as part of a group.
Fifty years ago, about a quarter of Australians attended church regularly. That’s fallen to about one in 13.
“Our Aussie approach to religion is, like everything else, a bit laid-back,” Mr McCrindle said. “It’s an identity. It’s not an activity and more about who you are than what you do.”
The survey looked at “belief blockers” to engaging in religion and found the biggest were church abuse, hypocrisy, judging others, religious wars and suffering.
Whilst this is a fairy small sample size there are some important points to take away for the praying church.
- We must be encouraged that God is at work in our midst, regardless of what new-atheism and radical secularists will like to tell us. Belief is still present in Australia.
- Although many Australians hold a form of belief, it seems that belief is very loosely shaped in terms of a living faith.
- There are real reasons why people fail to embrace faith in Jesus, and these go beyond those stated. At the core of our spiritual malaise are spiritual causes – pride, rebellion, deception, self-centredness and more
Let’s continue to pray for Perth and the nation of Australia. God is at work here, we have heritage in the Christian faith – let’s pray that the seeds of faith planted over many decades be watered and will germinate and grow in the hearts and lives of Aussies. Jesus came, died and rose again for Australians and the mandate he has for this great nation.
“Lord move in the hearts of Australians, draw men and women, boys and girls, to the radical, life-changing faith you call us to. Forgive us of our pride, rebellion and self-sufficiency. Holy Spirit sweep through this land making dry places live again! Thank you for your promise and purpose for Australia. Revive us and fulfil it Jesus! Amen”
From WA Today