Marian de Souza, Richard Rymarz

The Transmission of a Religious Heritage to Younger Members of Small Ethnic Communities in a Pluralist Society: The Perceptions of Young Australian Copts

Introduction

The transmission of a religious heritage to younger members of small ethnic communities in a pluralist society: the perceptions of young australian copts. Young Australian Copts' perceptions of religious heritage transmission in a multi-faith, pluralist society. Explore influences on their religiosity and spirituality.

Abstract

Contemporary Australia has clearly become a multi-faith and multi-cultural society. Even within the mainstream Christian religions there are many new arrivals whose countries of origin are non Euro-centric, and they have brought with them a wide variety of cultural practices that are different from the Anglo-Saxon/Celtic culture that has dominated Christian practice in this country. Consequently, the 'face' of Australian Christians has been slowly changing. In particular, young Australians have been exposed to a wide range of cultural and religious practices through both community interaction and a highly influential media. Within this framework, the Copts are a small growing ethnic community who are focused on handing on their cultural and religious heritage to their younger members. This paper will explore the transmission of the Coptic religious heritage, and discuss what some school-going Copts say about the various influences on their religiosity and spirituality.

Review

This paper addresses a highly pertinent and timely topic concerning the transmission of religious heritage within small ethnic communities operating in a pluralist societal context. By focusing specifically on the perceptions of young Australian Copts, the study offers a valuable lens through which to examine the intricate processes of cultural and religious maintenance amidst a dominant, evolving mainstream. The abstract clearly establishes the contemporary Australian landscape as multi-faith and multi-cultural, highlighting the changing 'face' of Christianity and the diverse influences young people are exposed to. This contextualization sets a strong foundation for understanding the challenges and strategies employed by communities like the Copts in preserving their distinct heritage. The methodological approach, as outlined in the abstract, centers on exploring "what some school-going Copts say" about the influences on their religiosity and spirituality. This qualitative focus is well-suited to capturing the nuanced and subjective experiences of young individuals navigating multiple identity markers. The strength of this paper lies in its particular focus on the Coptic community, which, while small, offers a compelling case study for understanding broader patterns of religious socialization, ethnic identity formation, and the dynamics of cultural preservation in diaspora settings. A full paper would need to detail the scope and selection of these "school-going Copts" to fully assess the depth and potential transferability of its findings. Overall, this paper promises to be a significant contribution to the fields of religious studies, sociology of religion, and cultural studies, particularly concerning minority communities in Western pluralistic societies. The exploration of youth perceptions is critical, as younger generations are key arbiters of cultural and religious continuity and change. The insights derived from this research could inform discussions on intergenerational transmission, community support mechanisms, and the broader understanding of religious diversity within multicultural nations. Its clear focus, relevant subject matter, and commitment to understanding lived experiences suggest that this will be a compelling and important piece of research.

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