In God we (used to) trust

#1149 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 8 November 2015

The U.S.-based Pew Centre for Religion and Public Life released the results of an extensive survey this week, indicating a decline in the percentage of people who say they believe in God, pray daily and regularly attend religious services.

Researchers attributed the recent decrease in religious belief and behaviour to the “nones” – the growing minority of Americans, particularly in the “Millennial” generation, who say they do not belong to any organized faith.

The survey also indicated that, of the three-quarters of U.S. adults who do claim religious affiliation, there was no discernible decline in most measures of religious commitment, and respondents tended to be more devout than they were a few years ago.

Should we expect similar trends in Australia? Certainly there is a disaffection for institutions, and for formal religious practices, among many Australians. But spirituality, and religious belief, and expressions of faith in action, don’t appear to be in decline to me.

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