1. The Rise of New Religious Expression
© Karen Devine 2008

2. A Decline in Traditional Religions
There has been a significant decline in the numbers of people belonging to traditional faiths.
However, this does not mean that people are less religious or spiritual.
New forms of religion are growing in Australia.

3. New Religions Develop
The number of people claiming to be Christian is falling.
Faiths such as Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism are growing.
Yet, there is also growth in faith described as “other” according to the census.

4. New Religions Develop New religions often develop out of “old” faiths.
New age faiths have developed out of ancient pagan rituals.

5. Age old questions?
People still have the same questions about life which they have always had:
Who am I?
Why am I here?
Is there a God?
Why does evil exist?
Is there life after death?

6. Alternative Faiths
Now, they are seeking answers to these questions in alternative faiths which meet modern day needs.
Faith has become much more individual than community based.

7. Alternative Faiths
People seek a moral and ethical base in new versions of ancient faiths because they perceive the Western world to have failed.

8. Neo Paganism
Neo Paganism seeks to connect people with their environments.
Meditative spiritualities are ways for people to find inner peace that they believe are lacking in the predominant religions.

9. Question Time
Why is membership of the traditional faiths declining in Australia?