Full Description
Australian Soul challenges the idea that religious and spiritual life in Australia is in decline. This fascinating book describes the character of religious and spiritual life in Australia today, and argues that, far from petering out, religion and spirituality are thriving. Gary Bouma, the leading expert on the state of religious life in Australia, provides the most up-to-date facts and figures and compares the 'tone' of Australian religious practices with those of other countries. Australians might be less vocal and more reticent about their religion than Americans are, but their religious and spiritual beliefs are no less potent. Australian Soul describes and analyses our religious and spiritual life in detail as well as providing a series of case studies that illustrate the range of practices and beliefs in Australia today. Australian Soul predicts a vital future for religion and spirituality.
Contents
Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction - spirituality, sacred places and religion in Australia; 2. The qualities of spiritual and religious life in Australia; 3. The quantities of spiritual and religious life in Australia; 4. Cultural changes affecting Australian spirituality and religion; 5. The changing social location of religion and spirituality; 6. The mainstream - from Christendom to comfortable on the margins; 7. Responding to the future; 8. Religion, spirituality and Australian social policy; 9. Signs of hope in the 21st century; References; Further reading; Index.
