The Rise Of Mass Attendance

Catholicism: A Very Short Introduction written by Gerald O’Collins is a short read that gives an insight to the Catholic church without getting confusing to the reader. It touches on the basics of Catholicism such as the history, practices, and core beliefs. Through each chapter Gerald O’Collins a research professor in the field of Theology at St. Mary’s University College and Twickenham, as well as formally Dean in Gregorian University for the faculty of Theology, shares his knowledge on the Catholic religion one question at a time.

Many individuals have their own set of theories, experiences and viewpoints on religion, this however has been critical on how individuals vision their own set of concept on religion and spirituality. Kamran Mofid Founder, Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative (2008), argues that Australia is one of the multi-faith, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural nations in the world. This array of cultures conveys countless diversity and disparities including religious beliefs. Thus, a study was conducted in a profane Australian society to examine in what way religion and spirituality is ostensible in Australia

Religion is a pivotal aspect in society to date with a diverse array of religions known to be practised in Australia, creating opportunities to embrace individuality though also sparking social divisions. French sociologist, Emile Durkheim described religion as “a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden -- beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community”(Jones, 2011). So how does religion influence Australian society? With a vast incline in religions practised in Australia, it is extremely feasible to presume that it does affect Australia significantly. It is through cultural diversity, morality and ethics and laws in which the true relevance of religion in Australian society can be identified.

The next heresy that we must cover is that of “pluralism”. Religious pluralism is the belief that all roads lead to heaven. This belief has been propagated by such prominent figures such as, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Joel Osteen, and Pope Francis. This is a toxic idea that upon reaching its conclusion, destroys truth. If everything is true, then why believe anything at all? Now we must move to the final heresy plaguing America.

Religion is a universal term that is widely used for a human’s belief system. The views on how religions compare to one another can be defined differently. One view explains religions using a united belief system by their common goals. Another view explains that different religions are just a shared essence and have vast differences between their specific traditions and customs. This shared essence, but vastly different theory, is explained by Stephen Prothero, using the term “pretend pluralism”. There are many major and minor religions that have guided people in their morals and beliefs. Religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. All five of these current, major religions have vast differences, but may have common goals in their morals, traditions, etc. Two of the most practiced religions, of these five, are Christianity and Islam. These two religions are constantly at battle with one another, but what many people don’t see is that there are just as many similarities between these two religions as there are differences. Through this paper we will discover the underlying similarities and differences between these two religions and, hopefully, conclude that supports either the common goal theory or the “pretend pluralism” theory.

Daily communications and interactions at school, work or other places can expand Canadians’ knowledge about religions and also it would stretch their relationship borders internationally with other people who are from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds. Meanwhile, Canadians can enjoy the benefits of pleasant learning about different religions from their friends as well as make comparisons conveniently between advantages or disadvantages of each religion and discuss them with their friends. For example, if someone has a false belief about a particular subject in others` religion or even does not understand some part of a religion, s/he can ask their friends in order to clarify the

In the period 1947-2006, the Australian population grew from about 7.6 million to about 20 million. During this time there was an overall decline in the percentage of people identifying with a religion (frost course notes, 2010).

The present religious landscape in Australia is one that has changed significantly from 1945 up until now. Christianity is still currently the most popular religious tradition in Australia, however has seen a steady decrease in numbers due peoples interests in other religions and a non religious focused society. Due to immigration Australia has seen significant increases in followers of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Because of Australia’s consumeristic society, denominational switching has become more common, especially in the Protestant denomination. New Age religions have become increasingly popular recently due to peoples search for individual fulfilment, in the form of happiness, health and meaning in life. Secularism in Australia is now a belief that forefronts society due to scientific discovery and individualism.

Using proven facts and methodologies, the author supports her argument that various faiths can coexist outside of a singular perspective. Ward acknowledges every faith has defining guidelines followers must embrace, but maintains the

Author, Reginald Bibby, has written three books to date, this will be the fourth and latest work published. From having seen Canada’s religious developments through a secular lens, several scholars thought for the most part reasons behind the decline were clear and obvious. This is not the case, and is what the author tries to show here. After one prominent scholar named Stark opened up new data to the author it gave him his new books idea: reality of religious polarization. Now everything is more clear and focused through this polarization lens. The book is then divided up into 9 chapters, all very informative, focusing on all aspects to those who are religious, aren’t religious, good news and bad news.

Catholic remains steady due to immigration, however Eastern orthodox members are rising due to immigration and it is these churches that have a young profile. Immigration has changed Australia into a multi-faith society; it is the most significant reason for the increase in diversity of the religious character in

Protestants and Catholics are constantly being compared and weighed against one another in order to declare whose faith is best or true. Though there are many similarities between each faith as they are both Christian denominations, their differences cause much friction between the two groups. Some of the foundational Catholic beliefs revolve around the ideals that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that the Bible is the inspired, error free, revealed Word of God, and the existence of the Holy Trinity, which is one God in three persons. In the Evangelical Church, there is only one God, the creator and ruler of all things. Although the nature of

This paper will highlight some of the historical points of division in Christianity and reflect on ways the church succeeded and failed in practicing professed beliefs. Christianity has become so diverse that some theologians have called it “Christian Pluralism”(Melton, 2007). In 1982 Anglican theologian David Barrett estimated that there were 20,800 denominations in Christianity across the globe (McGavran, 2012).

Religion, as defined by the High Court of Australia, is ‘a complex of beliefs and practices which point to a set of values and an understanding of the meaning of existence’ (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2005) and can be studied either substantively or functionally (Berger 1974:126). Substantive studies of religion fall predominantly in the realm of theology and are more concerned with defining religious beliefs; their historical accuracy; and the existence of supernatural entities (Holmes, Hughes & Julian 2007:425). Sociology however, concerns itself primarily with the relationship between religion and society, examining religion as a social construction (Van Krieken et al. 2010:350-1) and concerned only with the substance of

Many Catholics attend mass on Saturday night instead of Sunday morning because of the work schedule. This was not always the case but has been accepted by Christians since around 1980. They also have rituals of respect during the service which includes kneeling, singing, bowing and responding to the priest or deacon.