Research Objectives:
In February 2021, Olive Tree Media commissioned McCrindle to conduct demographic and quantitative research to understand the role of faith and religion in forming modern day Australia. The key objectives of this research are to:
- Explore current trends and attitudes of Australians about the role of faith and religion in society
- Understand the role Christianity has played in the history of Australia
- Investigate how Christianity has impacted the values of Australians
- Understand Australians' perspectives of Christians and Christianity.
Research Methodology:
The impact of faith on Australia society report is the collation of demographic analysis and quantitative data gained through an online survey of Australians.
Demographic analysis
Demographic data used in this report is obtained from analysis of the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Census of Population and Housing 1911, 2006 and 2016, as well as National, state and territory population, Historical population and Migration, Australia.
On-line survey
The survey was in field from 5 to 12 March 2021 and received 2,000 responses. The survey is nationally representative by gender, age (generation) and state.
Report received from NCLS 2021 survey completed February 2022 - delayed by COVID 19 Pandemic.A
Report from Future Directions Workshops conducted in light of the report.
Watch this video from the Association of Baptist Churches in NSW&ACT
Article from Michael Frost's blog - used with permission.
The Original Full Version
God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Origins of the Prayer:
It has been variously said that Reinhold Neibuhr himself denied writing it, and credited Friedrich Oetinger, an 18th century theologian, with its authorship; or that it was actually written in 500 A.D. by a philosopher named Boethius who was martyred for the Christian Faith.
Both of these theories have since been discredited, and it does now appear that the Theologian Reinhold Neibuhr was the actual author (he also did in fact claim credit for it). Niebuhr was a major influence on the German Pastor and Nazi resister, Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Words and Music by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
Vocal Arrangement by David Wesley
This virtual choir a cappella performance features the voices of 48 singers from 14 countries. It was a labour of love lasting 5 months, and many dozens of work hours. We pray that you are blessed by the music and the message of this modern hymn.
God desires peace in your life and one of the most effective ways of finding that peace is invoking his aid. He wants to help you, but our hearts must be open to that divine assistance.
St. Teresa of Avila wrote a beautiful poem during her lifetime that has been used as a prayer throughout the centuries. It is simple in its format, which is why many turn to it in times of distress. If you are feeling afraid or anxious right now, consider praying this prayer, opening your heart to God and adding your own words, invoking God’s help in your hour of need.
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
Jesus himself said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30).
An article from the blog of Michael Frost used with permission