Table of 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.

Promotional Information

This fascinating book challenges the idea that religious and spiritual life in Australia is in decline.

About the Author

Professor Gary Bouma is head of the School of Political and Social Inquiry at Monash University. He holds the UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and Intercultural Relations – Asia Pacific and is Chair of the Standing Committee on Ethics in Research Involving Humans. He is the author of numerous works on the interaction between religion and society in Western countries including Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Reviews

'Bouma's references to theoretical and research resources are authoritative and, in my view, worth the value of the book. The suggested reading, references and index at the back of the book are second-to-none. The book is strong on analysis, diagnosis, trends, surveys, and aetiology, rather than prescription.' Insights 'The Professor ... is positive about the remaining and growing 'spirituality' outside, as well as inside, organised religion.' Church Times