Out of every hundred people, about how many do you think do not affiliate themselves with any religion – that is, atheists, agnostics and those who say they do not identify with any religion?

It is a one of the questions asked by the IPSOS survey across 33 countries.  The idea was to compare perception against reality across a range of issues, including religion. 

The media would have us believe that Christians, and those identifying with any religion, are a minority group. Survey respondents themselves thought that 45% of Australians identify themselves as ‘irreligious’. That is, even survey respondents thought that more than half of Australians identified themselves with a religion, whichever one that may be.

But the reality is fascinating. The survey found that only 25% of Australians identify themselves as ‘irreligious’. Or, to put it another way, three quarters of the people in our country identify themselves as religious in some way.

In other words, there is an astonishing disconnect between perception and reality. In my view, the media has created the view that Christians are in the minority. We have all heard the derogatory terms – dinosaurs, ancient, out of touch, etc. It has impacted a number of Christians. Many have spoken with me about being more fearful even to let others know that they are Christians.

But this survey highlights the reality. It is perceived that 45% of Australians are irreligious. But only 25% actually are.

This is completely consistent with other surveys that reveal 72% of Australians believe in miracles; 68% believe in heaven; 68% believe that Jesus is the Son of God, 66% believe in the resurrection …. and the list goes on. One survey concluded that 78% of the general population are willing to listen to a Christian talk about their faith!

Apart from the theological need for people to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour to be saved, Christians can still have confidence that there is much common ground with the vast majority of Australians.  We should speak the truth even if this were not the case, of course. But the current point is that Christians have much in common with the majority of our society’s beliefs in a number of areas. 

You are not alone. Many are all too ready to listen.