An Undercurrent of FaithThe new McCrindle Report shares findings of Australians and their relationship to spirituality and religion. It shows that younger Christian are highly motivated believers, and many Australians are on a quest for meaning.
In fact, in the last Census, almost 800,000 of Australians surveyed, changed their response from ‘no religion’ to Christian. It appears that Australians are looking for hope and purpose, and Christianity is where they’re finding it.
Far from being antireligion, Australian young people are open to spiritual exploration. This data shows signs of a generation in line with the imperative of Ecclesiastes 12:1 to “Remember your creator in the days of your youth”. [pg25
Despite these findings, McCrindle challenges us:
“The research shows Australians’ relationship with Christianity is nuanced.” And that “….Australia’s Christian converts are not primarily coming through overseas migration. Notwithstanding this fact, in a country that is more culturally diverse than ever, Christian leaders who aren’t engaging overseas-born Australians are missing the missional opportunity of the nations arriving, and in significant numbers.” (pg 32)
An undercurrent of faith report focuses on 6 areas of faith in Australian society:
- Undercurrent #1: Despite a decline in Christian affiliation, Australians are still turning to Christianity in large numbers
- Undercurrent #2: Australians are searching for purpose and meaning
- Undercurrent #3: The Australians turning to Christianity may not be who you expect
- Undercurrent #4: Youth are on a quest for meaning
- Undercurrent #5: Movement away from Christianity is primarily driven by dissatisfaction with how it’s practiced
- Undercurrent #6: Regional areas are moving away from Christian identity faster than inner cities
Download: McCrindle’s An Undercurrent of Faith report here