Religion

Religion is a community which participates in traditions and rituals based around their shared beliefs, with each individual reflecting on their own purpose by developing their personal beliefs through connecting with others on a spiritual level. Religion has always played a role in Australian society, though its current influence is debatable due to an apparent decrease in its significance in contemporary society. According to a census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2016, 69.9 percent of Australians self-identify as religious with 52 percent belonging to Christianity, leaving 30.1 percent of the population who identify as having secular beliefs, other spiritual beliefs or no religious affiliation, with this number still

This discussion will include a comparison of how religion and spirituality influence the aspects of law, education and morality in contemporary Australian society, with focus drawn to the customs taught to the new generation of youth.

In a nation which is increasingly secular, religion still has a major influence in the way Australia is run and the laws citizens are required to abide by. Australia’s legal system heavily draws from Christian ethics and morals, highlighted by the ten commandments which secured the foundation of multiple laws, as they provide a code of conduct that protects life, secures property, defines boundaries and enhances trust. Therefore, these behavioural restrictions have had a strong influence in laws relating to murder, infidelity, theft and lying. Additionally, the influence of religion on law is illustrated by the court system, as when a testimony is given, the person is required to swear

Australia maintains one of the highest concentrations of religious schools, with approximately 30 percent of schools across Australia having some affiliation with religion, predominantly Christian or Anglican. With students across Australia having religious activities incorporated into their education, religion would unquestionably have an effect on the development of their moral compass, as well as their beliefs and spirituality. However, there is an opposing view of the influence of religion in education, in relation to secondary and tertiary education, including high school and university. Many students in the high levels of education can be witnessed struggling with understanding their sense of identity due to the stress placed on them by having a frequently high workload. With the prevalence of mental health issues due to student’s inability to understand their interior emotional landscape, there is a view that religion may not play a major role in the education of a majority of youth, as many of them are detached from any faith. Furthermore, the influence of religion and spirituality on education in Australia can be contrasted as it is unknown how connected students truly are with any