Australians believe in the Easter miracle

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 14 Apr 2013

Despite waning interest in organised religion, a 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.

Social researcher Mark McCrindle said the idea of a 21st century sceptical secular mind was not accurate.  But while many Australians indicated they were okay with Jesus, they had reservations about the church, its cultural relevance, and endless media commentary about alleged child sexual abuse.

“Australians like the product, but they don’t like the retail outlet,” Mr McCrindle said.  “A lot of people’s experience with the church was as a youngster and the point is they may have had a negative religious experience when they were younger. In the 20, 30 or 40 years since, the church has changed a lot, but those perceptions remain,” Mr McCrindle said.

Times change, but it seems many Australians continue to take seriously the miracle of Easter and its enduring significance in their lives.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.