Religion and Change in Australia

What is the role of religion in Australia? Are we truly a post-secular society with a tolerance for respectful debate between diverse religious and non-religious groups, or is there an ever widening divide in our communities?

In this important new book Adam Possamai and David Tittensor undertake a major analysis of the place of religion today. Beginning with an overview of religion and spirituality in Australia before World War 2 when Indigenous traditions were threatened by an overwhelmingly Christian culture, the authors then move on to a detailed analysis of the radical social change brought about by post war migration. Chapters explore key issues including how Indigenous traditions have evolved under the on going legacy of colonialism and displacement, the effect of individualism, the rise of Atheism, the impact of social media, popular culture and globalisation, and tensions with extremism. The book provides an overview of key sociological theories about religion in society and maps religion in Australia using the techniques of human geography to reveal that Australia is becoming both more secular and more religious depending on where you live.

This is a compelling analysis of a key force in Australian society today, a force both complex and powerful.