By Camille Tanner
Major changes in religious trends worldwide create challenges and opportunities, according to an Australian professor who visited BYU.
Gary D. Bouma, professor of sociology at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, gave the Kennedy Center Global Awareness Lecture on Thursday.
Bouma said religious changes are a result of increased diversity, religious revitalization and a shift from reason to experience as a basis of authority.
The dominant Anglican religion in Australia has dropped in membership, and replaced by Muslims, Budhists, Hindus, and others.
Bouma said there are plenty of opportunities to interact with those of other religious because they are the people you live and shop with.
'Taxi drivers are as likely to wear a turban as they are to be Jewish,' Bouma said.
Australia is experiencing a religious revitalization, as are Africa, Asia and other parts of the world.
'It places religion on the agenda more,' Bouma said. 'It''s in the news and it shapes policy.'
There has also been a shift from reason and tradition toward experience as a source of authority, Bouma said.
'People are basing religious ideas on what feels right, and what they experience,' Bouma said, 'and not on what the older generation says.'
As the religious climate in Australia continues to change, the culture is adapting, Bouma said.
'Coffee breaks are being scheduled to coincide with Muslim prayer hours,' Bouma said, 'and police uniforms have been modified to include veils for Muslim female officers.'
These changes present new opportunities, Bouma said.
'When there was one dominant religion, there was no need to discuss or defend it,' Bouma said. 'Now you must know your religion and be able to articulate it.'
Bouma said the best way to cope with so many changes was to engage in interfaith activities.
'Through interfaith dialogue, you will grow in understanding of your own position,' Bouma said, 'and your ability to express what you believe.'