New survey shows 50% of Australians are non-religious

Orphia Nay · 12th November 2011, 09:37 PM

When asked "What is your religion?"...
19% said "Spiritual but no religion" and
31% said "None".

Here's the survey summary from the survey creators (you must pay for the full survey results):
http://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/res...ummary-web.pdf

Here's an article about the survey which goes into the reasons people are put off Christianity:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-...-church-image/

Looking forward to the census results even more. This survey was of 1094 people.

lionking · 12th November 2011, 09:50 PM

Last census had "no religion" as the second highest, equal with Anglican (both at 18.7%) and behind the Mick's at 25.8%, so I doubt it will climb to top, let alone make up over 50%.

Craig4 · 13th November 2011, 12:11 AM

It's surveys like this that give me hope that we can save ourselves from the destruction caused by competing fairy stories.

Explorer · 13th November 2011, 12:13 AM

The younger generation it seems are much less likely to be religious than their parental "baby boomers". This seems to spell the death knell for religion in Australia.

The church will have to adapt if it is to survive this trend, but I don't think it has enough time left to do so. The internet works much faster to spread the messages of non-belief.

lionking · 13th November 2011, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by Explorer

The younger generation it seems are much less likely to be religious than their parental "baby boomers". This seems to spell the death knell for religion in Australia.

The church will have to adapt if it is to survive this trend, but I don't think it has enough time left to do so. The internet works much faster to spread the messages of non-belief.

Yes I agree with this, but can't see a majority of "no religion" in Australia for decades.

Of course, it's well accepted that those who claim religion don't seem to practice it. I saw a survey where less than 20% of those who say they are Catholic go to Mass. And, of course, we have an atheist Prime Minister - who still funds school chaplains.

rjh01 · 13th November 2011, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by lionking

Yes I agree with this, but can't see a majority of "no religion" in Australia for decades.

Of course, it's well accepted that those who claim religion don't seem to practice it. I saw a survey where less than 20% of those who say they are Catholic go to Mass. And, of course, we have an atheist Prime Minister - who still funds school chaplains.

And also does not allow two people of the same gender to get married. This suggests that the religious bodies have more influence than their numbers would suggest.

Multivac · 14th November 2011, 04:39 AM

Disappointed that it's only 50%. Always thought that Australians were sensible people.

Brainache · 14th November 2011, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by Multivac

Disappointed that it's only 50%. Always thought that Australians were sensible people.

Well, I'm Australian and I can safely say that I am more than 50% non-religious.

That might also affect this absurd claim to sensibility...

Björn Toulouse · 15th November 2011, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Craig4

It's surveys like this that give me hope that we can save ourselves from the destruction caused by competing fairy stories.

Amen, brother. Preach it.

devnull · 15th November 2011, 06:44 PM

Im actually quite surprised its not much higher.

Most people here will claim the religion of their parents, or whatever, but never attend church or practice in any way, nor do they actually believe in god.

One's religion is more a question of heritage around here.

RedRatSnake · 15th November 2011, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by Craig4

It's surveys like this that give me hope that we can save ourselves from the destruction caused by competing fairy stories.

nvidiot · 15th November 2011, 06:58 PM

Yeah I'll wait for latest census data.

Don't take "non-religious" to mean averse to woo though. We have plenty of that down here.

geni · 15th November 2011, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by Craig4

It's surveys like this that give me hope that we can save ourselves from the destruction caused by competing fairy stories.

Why? Currently monotheistic sky-gods are beaten out by economic theories in the genocide stakes. When it comes down to it no amount of enthusiasm can beat of shear determination.

rjh01 · 15th November 2011, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by nvidiot

Yeah I'll wait for latest census data.

Don't take "non-religious" to mean averse to woo though. We have plenty of that down here.

I would not rely on the census data. The question is rigged so that it is very easy to tick to say you are religious. You were baptised? Yes, well you can tick religious.

Bettyp · 15th November 2011, 08:55 PM

are they talking about all "religions", or just christianity ........?

nvidiot · 15th November 2011, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by rjh01

I would not rely on the census data. The question is rigged so that it is very easy to tick to say you are religious. You were baptised? Yes, well you can tick religious.

I can't recall the exact question from it tbh, but I would generally trust the results from the census more than a poll made by a Christian media organisation of a thousand people.

And it's not if people can pick "religious" on their census, the relevant question is if they would actually do so.

There are a bloody lot of atheists and non-religious in Australia, but we still have to battle the forces of stupid on a regular basis.

rjh01 · 15th November 2011, 11:24 PM

Here is the page from the 2006 census. 18.7% said no religion. It does not give the exact question, which is what I wanted.
http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABS...splayed=false&

rjh01 · 15th November 2011, 11:37 PM

Here is the question
"'What is the person's religion?'"
Ref Page 211 http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/Ausst...0(reissue).pdf

Orphia Nay · 15th November 2011, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by nvidiot

Yeah I'll wait for latest census data.

Don't take "non-religious" to mean averse to woo though. We have plenty of that down here.

When asked "What is your religion?"...
19% said "Spiritual but no religion" and
31% said "None".

So I'd say those prone to woo (at least of a religious bent) are far outnumbered by the non-woo.

But yeah, I can hardly wait for the census results.

On the one hand, lionking thinks this survey overexaggerates the non-religious population, while others seem to think it underestimates.

People are weird. If a religious organisation asks about religion, people are put off it. If the ABS ask about religion, people cling to superstitions!

nvidiot · 16th November 2011, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by Orphia Nay

When asked "What is your religion?"...
19% said "Spiritual but no religion" and
31% said "None".

So I'd say those prone to woo (at least of a religious bent) are far outnumbered by the non-woo.

I regard spirituality as woo, and religious in nature. But we're hair splitting there.

And even if these figures are accurate (which I definitely doubt), it still means that a significant chunk of the population believes in woo, even excluding those saying "spritual but no religion". No surprise though.

Quote:

But yeah, I can hardly wait for the census results.

I will be fascinated by updated census results. Not sure how long it takes for them to be published though.

Quote:

On the one hand, lionking thinks this survey overexaggerates the non-religious population, while others seem to think it underestimates.

People are weird. If a religious organisation asks about religion, people are put off it. If the ABS ask about religion, people cling to superstitions!

Yup. Not a very trusting lot are we?

Curse you skepticism! *shakes fist in mock rage*

Besides, how dare you question the beaurocracy?

"If a system is not in our records, it does not exist!"

12th November 2011, 09:37 PM	#1
Orphia Nay Penguilicious Spodmaster. Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ponylandistan Presidential Palace (above the Spods' stables). Posts: 28,361	New survey shows 50% of Australians are non-religious When asked "What is your religion?"... 19% said "Spiritual but no religion" and 31% said "None". Here's the survey summary from the survey creators (you must pay for the full survey results): http://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/res...ummary-web.pdf Here's an article about the survey which goes into the reasons people are put off Christianity: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-...-church-image/ Looking forward to the census results even more. This survey was of 1094 people.
	__________________ Are you an ex-Truther? Please share your story. ~ The Australasian Skeptics Forum.

12th November 2011, 09:50 PM	#2
lionking In the Peanut Gallery Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 29,650	Last census had "no religion" as the second highest, equal with Anglican (both at 18.7%) and behind the Mick's at 25.8%, so I doubt it will climb to top, let alone make up over 50%.
	__________________ A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject. Sir Winston Churchill

13th November 2011, 12:11 AM	#3
Craig4 Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 5,363	It's surveys like this that give me hope that we can save ourselves from the destruction caused by competing fairy stories.
Craig4 Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 5,363

13th November 2011, 12:13 AM	#4
Explorer Muse Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 959	The younger generation it seems are much less likely to be religious than their parental "baby boomers". This seems to spell the death knell for religion in Australia. The church will have to adapt if it is to survive this trend, but I don't think it has enough time left to do so. The internet works much faster to spread the messages of non-belief.
Explorer Muse Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 959

13th November 2011, 12:25 AM	#5
lionking In the Peanut Gallery Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 29,650	Originally Posted by Explorer The younger generation it seems are much less likely to be religious than their parental "baby boomers". This seems to spell the death knell for religion in Australia. The church will have to adapt if it is to survive this trend, but I don't think it has enough time left to do so. The internet works much faster to spread the messages of non-belief. Yes I agree with this, but can't see a majority of "no religion" in Australia for decades. Of course, it's well accepted that those who claim religion don't seem to practice it. I saw a survey where less than 20% of those who say they are Catholic go to Mass. And, of course, we have an atheist Prime Minister - who still funds school chaplains.
	__________________ A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject. Sir Winston Churchill

13th November 2011, 06:57 PM	#6
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 17,178	Originally Posted by lionking Yes I agree with this, but can't see a majority of "no religion" in Australia for decades. Of course, it's well accepted that those who claim religion don't seem to practice it. I saw a survey where less than 20% of those who say they are Catholic go to Mass. And, of course, we have an atheist Prime Minister - who still funds school chaplains. And also does not allow two people of the same gender to get married. This suggests that the religious bodies have more influence than their numbers would suggest.

14th November 2011, 04:39 AM	#7
Multivac Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1,927	Disappointed that it's only 50%. Always thought that Australians were sensible people.

14th November 2011, 10:56 AM	#8
Brainache Nasty Brutish and Tall Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Knob Hill. Posts: 9,086	Originally Posted by Multivac Disappointed that it's only 50%. Always thought that Australians were sensible people. Well, I'm Australian and I can safely say that I am more than 50% non-religious. That might also affect this absurd claim to sensibility...
	__________________ Words cannot convey the vertiginous retching horror that enveloped me as I lost consciousness. - W. S. Burroughs Invert the prominent diaphragm!!!

15th November 2011, 06:33 PM	#9
Björn Toulouse Cavitus Rectum Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: miles from Nowhere Posts: 1,406	Originally Posted by Craig4 It's surveys like this that give me hope that we can save ourselves from the destruction caused by competing fairy stories. Amen, brother. Preach it.
	__________________ The most complete and happy victory is this: to compel one's enemy to give up his purpose, while suffering no harm oneself. Belisarius

15th November 2011, 06:44 PM	#10
devnull Illuminator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 4,532	Im actually quite surprised its not much higher. Most people here will claim the religion of their parents, or whatever, but never attend church or practice in any way, nor do they actually believe in god. One's religion is more a question of heritage around here.
	__________________ no, i don't think i need to read naturalistic literature more accurately, to be convinced its true. - Gibhor

15th November 2011, 06:53 PM	#11
RedRatSnake Slithering Through life Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southie, Massachusetts. Posts: 1,625	Originally Posted by Craig4 It's surveys like this that give me hope that we can save ourselves from the destruction caused by competing fairy stories.

15th November 2011, 06:58 PM	#12
nvidiot Botanical Jedi Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,793	Yeah I'll wait for latest census data. Don't take "non-religious" to mean averse to woo though. We have plenty of that down here.
nvidiot Botanical Jedi Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,793	__________________ www.horsemen-gaming.com

15th November 2011, 07:10 PM	#13
geni Anti-homeopathy illuminati member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: UK Posts: 26,557	Originally Posted by Craig4 It's surveys like this that give me hope that we can save ourselves from the destruction caused by competing fairy stories. Why? Currently monotheistic sky-gods are beaten out by economic theories in the genocide stakes. When it comes down to it no amount of enthusiasm can beat of shear determination.

15th November 2011, 07:44 PM	#14
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 17,178	Originally Posted by nvidiot Yeah I'll wait for latest census data. Don't take "non-religious" to mean averse to woo though. We have plenty of that down here. I would not rely on the census data. The question is rigged so that it is very easy to tick to say you are religious. You were baptised? Yes, well you can tick religious.

15th November 2011, 08:55 PM	#15
Bettyp New Blood Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 10	are they talking about all "religions", or just christianity ........?
Bettyp New Blood Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 10

15th November 2011, 09:13 PM	#16
nvidiot Botanical Jedi Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,793	Originally Posted by rjh01 I would not rely on the census data. The question is rigged so that it is very easy to tick to say you are religious. You were baptised? Yes, well you can tick religious. I can't recall the exact question from it tbh, but I would generally trust the results from the census more than a poll made by a Christian media organisation of a thousand people. And it's not if people can pick "religious" on their census, the relevant question is if they would actually do so. There are a bloody lot of atheists and non-religious in Australia, but we still have to battle the forces of stupid on a regular basis.
nvidiot Botanical Jedi Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,793	__________________ www.horsemen-gaming.com

15th November 2011, 11:24 PM	#17
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 17,178	Here is the page from the 2006 census. 18.7% said no religion. It does not give the exact question, which is what I wanted. http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABS...splayed=false&
	Last edited by rjh01; 15th November 2011 at 11:34 PM. Reason: Link wrong. Number is 18.7 not 25.1%

15th November 2011, 11:37 PM	#18
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 17,178	Here is the question "'What is the person's religion?'" Ref Page 211 http://www.ausstats.abs.gov.au/Ausst...0(reissue).pdf

15th November 2011, 11:42 PM	#19
Orphia Nay Penguilicious Spodmaster. Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ponylandistan Presidential Palace (above the Spods' stables). Posts: 28,361	Originally Posted by nvidiot Yeah I'll wait for latest census data. Don't take "non-religious" to mean averse to woo though. We have plenty of that down here. When asked "What is your religion?"... 19% said "Spiritual but no religion" and 31% said "None". So I'd say those prone to woo (at least of a religious bent) are far outnumbered by the non-woo. But yeah, I can hardly wait for the census results. On the one hand, lionking thinks this survey overexaggerates the non-religious population, while others seem to think it underestimates. People are weird. If a religious organisation asks about religion, people are put off it. If the ABS ask about religion, people cling to superstitions!
	__________________ Are you an ex-Truther? Please share your story. ~ The Australasian Skeptics Forum.

16th November 2011, 12:50 AM	#20
nvidiot Botanical Jedi Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,793	Originally Posted by Orphia Nay When asked "What is your religion?"... 19% said "Spiritual but no religion" and 31% said "None". So I'd say those prone to woo (at least of a religious bent) are far outnumbered by the non-woo. I regard spirituality as woo, and religious in nature. But we're hair splitting there. And even if these figures are accurate (which I definitely doubt), it still means that a significant chunk of the population believes in woo, even excluding those saying "spritual but no religion". No surprise though. Quote: But yeah, I can hardly wait for the census results. I will be fascinated by updated census results. Not sure how long it takes for them to be published though. Quote: On the one hand, lionking thinks this survey overexaggerates the non-religious population, while others seem to think it underestimates. People are weird. If a religious organisation asks about religion, people are put off it. If the ABS ask about religion, people cling to superstitions! Yup. Not a very trusting lot are we? Curse you skepticism! shakes fist in mock rage Besides, how dare you question the beaurocracy? "If a system is not in our records, it does not exist!"
nvidiot Botanical Jedi Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 1,793	__________________ www.horsemen-gaming.com