A new study has revealed that 31% of Australians who state they have ‘no religion’ would actually search online to find out more about faith or religion.
The research, conducted by National Church Life Survey (NCLS) on behalf of Alpha Australia goes on to state that more than a third (36%) of 18-34 year olds would also search online to explore the subject of faith further. The release of these figures comes as Alpha Australia launch their popular Alpha Course online for the first time making it available for churches and individuals across the country.
Millions of people around the world have attended an Alpha Course and despite recent reports of Christianity in decline in Australia in recent decades, Alpha Australia has seen over 500 000 attending since it launched. This coincides with a separate study conducted by McCrindle and released this month which also found that more than four in five Australians are positive about a shift towards online learning.
Murray Averill, Acting National Director of Alpha Australia says, “We are living in unprecedented times. There is a great deal of fear, uncertainty and loneliness during these weeks of isolation, and we know many are looking for hope – particularly online. For years, hundreds of thousands of Australians have seen the Alpha course as a safe space – not only to explore questions of faith, but to feel a real sense of belonging.
“We are delighted that the same hospitality and community continues to offer guests an opportunity to explore faith in an open, honest and friendly environment – albeit online, physically around a table.”
Alpha Online is an eight to eleven week course. Guests are welcomed via Zoom after which they watch the online Alpha videos and then discuss questions in breakout rooms.
To register for Alpha Online go to www.alpha.org.au/online.