Religion among Young People in Australia, Thailand and the United States

Authors

  • Phillip Hughes Christian Research Association Edith Cowan University MCD University of Divinity

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/jasr.v27i1.56

Keywords:

Australia, Thailand, United States, religion, young people, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, religious practice, religious belief, spirituality

Abstract

In terms of religious identification, young people in Australia, Thailand and the United States are quite different. This is evident in data from Census and surveys in relation to religious identity, practices and beliefs. Australia is the least religious of the three countries, with significantly higher identity and practice in Thailand and higher again in the United States. However, in all three countries, confidence in the authority of religious institutions is weak and religion has become more of a personal resource which young people call on from time to time as they see the need. There are, however, major caveats to this picture. In all three countries, there are minority groups for whom religion is a source of their identity and a vital component of life.

Author Biography

  • Phillip Hughes, Christian Research Association Edith Cowan University MCD University of Divinity
    Phillip Hughes has been the senior research officer of the Christian Research Association since 1985. He is also an honorary research fellow at Edith Cowan University and the University of Divinity and has written a wide range of books, particularly on religion in the Australian context. Since 2002, a major theme of his research has been the religiosity and spirituality of young people. In 2007, he wrote Putting Life Together: Findings from Australian Youth Spirituality Research. He has also published many articles about youth spirituality.

Published

2014-11-03

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Hughes, P. (2014). Religion among Young People in Australia, Thailand and the United States. Journal for the Academic Study of Religion, 27(1), 56-71. https://doi.org/10.1558/jasr.v27i1.56