So what is behind this trend, which was most notable in Tasmania where 38.2 per cent of people identified with no religion?

Evidence of human religious beliefs stretch as far back as 35,000 years ago said UTAS philosophy lecturer Graham Wood. 

Although there is no academic consensus on why religion has been such a feature of human societies, Dr Wood believes it may exist as a function to increase co-operation in groups, therefore allowing the group to thrive. 

The trend away from institutional religions may then be due to the rise of other societal functions that promote cooperation, such as the judiciary or police, he said. 

However, there may still be an intrinsic need in humans for religion said Dr Wood. While this may be expressed in religious devotion it can also be found in other places, for example in commitment to sports teams or a reverence for the environment. 

“People value that experience of being in a group, sharing values, feeling like they belong, these are existential needs, perhaps because of the way we evolved,” Dr Wood said. 

RELATED: Australian census results at a glance

UTAS sociology professor Douglas Ezzy said there are a range of factors driving people to turn away from formal religion, which in Australia has been largely Christianity. 

“The globalised society and increased understanding about other cultures makes it hard to sustain the claim you have the one and only religion,” he said. 

Professor Ezzy said the conservatism of the churches, particularly around issues like women’s rights, may also be alienating people, particularly younger generations are identifying less with religion.

While there may be a decreased interest in traditional religions, Professor Ezzy said that doesn’t mean people are turning away from spirituality in general.

“I think what it means is that traditional forms of religion are in decline but other forms of spirituality is on the rise,” he said. 

Professor Ezzy said it is a difficult time for churches to work out their place in modern times. 

So what are the thoughts of some of Tasmania’s religious leaders?

Hobart Archbishop Julian Porteous said the data showing Australia is becoming a less religious nation challenges the Catholic church to reflect on their mission in society. 

“We are aware that the Lord entrusted his church with the task of proclaiming the gospel and making disciples,” he said.

“The census results challenge us to examine how we can be more effective at this task … [and] should strengthen our resolve to reach out to our society.

“It should encourage us to find the ways in which we can convey the beauty of the Catholic faith.” 

Archbishop Porteous does also highlight, however, that Christianity remains the main faith of Australians and that almost one in five Australians still identify as Catholic.  

In Venerable Lama Tsewang’s eight years as the Resident Lama (Tibetan Buddhist teacher) at the Palpung Buddhist centre in Launceston, he has seen many people walk through his door who are struggling.

Lama Tsewang said in an often self-obsessed modern world some people can lose sight of the purpose of religion, which in contrast to the ‘selfie’ culture of today instead promotes the value of of helping and supporting others. Placing the focus on ‘us’ rather than ‘me’. 

“[In] modern times everyone is just looking at their reflection ... that’s why it’s very hard to follow the religions,” he said. 

He sees religious belief as a path a way of combating the stresses and time-pressure of the modern world, by changing the focus from ones own self to others. 

“[In] this 21st century most people they are looking to themselves first, they are not thinking of others, that is why we are going to problems, there’s not that respect to others,” he said. 

“That’s why not just Buddhism, every religion is very beneficial in these modern times.”

He adds the important thing is not necessarily the religion itself, but the values they support. 

“If you follow religion or not doesn't matter really, [what is] important is respect to others, compassion to others,” he said. 

Lama Tsewang cherishes the Australian idea of mateship, which promotes the virtue of helping each other. 

Launceston’s Bishop David Robarts said it is not only commitment to religions that is declining, participation in community organisations across the board has dropped off – organisations like scouts or community groups. 

He thinks the root of this decline can be linked to the rise of an individualistic society, he describes it as the “triumph of individualism”.

“You’ve got to go back to some degree to the sixties… the post-war period was relatively stable and then all of a sudden we were hit with the explosion of questioning the status quo, calling into question all sports of established values and traditions,” Bishop Robarts said. 

“What really mattered was letting it all hang out, being who you are, let me be myself, I want to be me and I think the rapid rise of individualism not only hit the churches, it hit every institution where people were involved.”

Bishop Robarts also cautions against rampant changes to established religion, which can result in loyal followers becoming disillusioned and leaving the institutions. 

Bishop Robarts believes religion does continue to be relevant into the future, and is hopeful for the church. 

“All of us have deep longings for meaning, relationships, to give and have love, intimacy,” he said. 

“These are innate human aspirations.”

As part of the Tamar Valley Peace Festival a panel will speak on the topic of religion and individual rights on Thursday, July 27 at 6pm.

Tickets can be booked for the event at www.tamarcommunitypeace.org.au.