RE: Australia shedding religion from their culture, "No Religion" is now primary belief.
The Aussies Ive met in my travels have been warm and friendly.
Religion had taught to condemn people who did not conform to certain rules or religious values. Divorcees, homosexuals, and unwed parents are some examples of these who are ostracized.
No one goes into a marriage wanting it to fail, homosexual people are honest about who they are attracted to and unwed parents aren't just teens who didn't use condoms but can also be long term couples who don't see value in marriage.
However because people are beginning to be more open minded towards others I think we are seeing that you should not judge people straight away and get to know the person first.
I like Aussies, they give you the benefit of the doubt and don't let theirs or your beliefs get in the way of beginning a friendship.
Religion seems to require one to be judgmental in order to be "faithful". Definitely some hypocrisy mixed in with most of them.
Thanks for the thoughtful response.