Australia - ARE the numbers of believers in Christianity and other faiths slowly declining? Are we becoming more secular? The answer might not be what you think.
Between 1991 and 1996, there was a significant rise in the number of people indicating on Census forms that they had no religion. In 1991, just under 13 per cent of the population fell into this category. By 1996, this percentage had risen to 16.6 per cent.
Another rise was expected for the 2001 Census, with some commentators anticipating the no-religion category to form the second largest grouping after Catholics.
But, to everyone's surprise, this did not happen. The numbers of people indicating they had no religion fell to 15.5 per cent of the population.
Two researchers at the Christian Research Association (CRA) have analysed the Census figures and other surveys and come up with some interesting findings about what people mean when they say they have no religion.
Those who tick the "no religion" box on the Census form do so because they see themselves as irreligious, or because they do not wish to be identified with any religious denomination.
Along with people who reject religion, therefore, this category includes those who say they are spiritual but not religious. They do not have a religious affiliation, and often do not want one, but this does not mean they reject the concept of God and ideas of the supernatural or transcendent.
The particular beliefs of these people can be quite vague, extending not much beyond a personal sense of some sort of "life force" or spirit guiding the universe. In other cases they might be elaborated through new-age practices and beliefs.
In addition to those who reject religion and do not claim a spiritual interest, there are those who are simply not interested in religion. Australians are an easygoing people and take a relaxed view of matters of the spirit, especially when personal problems are relatively few.
The no-religion category also includes some who think their religion is not the concern of the government, or who are reluctant to indicate their privately held beliefs.
There are differences in the profile of people who say they have no religion in the Census and other surveys, compared to the population as a whole.
The Australian-born tend to be over-represented in this category, as were people who have never been married. There is a higher proportion of people in de facto relationships, and a lower percentage of married people. The age profile of this group tends to be younger.
Interesting changes are at work in our society and, while it may be too early to claim that the fall in "no religion" in 2001 indicates we are becoming more religious, it gives little encouragement to those who claim religion is going out of business.