Religion in NorwayNorwegian Life and Society.pptxVIP

Religion in Norway:Norwegian Life and Society Lars Laird Eriksen Social science dept– Norwegian School of Theology From one religion… …towards many religions? … or no religion? An overview of this lecture Part one: - A quick history - The legal situation: changing the constitution Part two: - Religion amongst young Norwegians today A story from my fieldwork on religious education in Norwegian school. Secular? Cool? Identity? A quick history Pre-Christian Sami religion – BC 8000 Pre-Christian Norse religion AD 500 - 1000 Even this early, there was plenty of cultural communications between Sami and germanic cultures. Christianity enters the scene: Scandinavia not isolated – a culturally complex time! Christianity slowly spreadsfrom about 950. Traditionally connectedto King Olav Haraldsson(St. Olav) - Political consolidation or religious change? Reformation In 1537 Christian the 3rd was King of Denmark and Norway. He became convinced by Martin Luther, and left the Catholic Church. A political move as well as religious. A Lutheran state church is established! The institutions needed to connect Norwegianness and religion established! Pietism – enforced by the state State pietism 1736: compulsory confirmation 1739: School for all! A mix of control and good intentions. Religion a tool for shaping the population Providing shared experiences Pietism – Challenges the state Hans Nielsen Hauge Preacher and writer (1771 - 1824). Anti-Clergy Religion a tool forexpressing discontent againt foreign rule Modes of religious life in the 20thC Religious ”counter-culture” with prayer houses Rural Hard-working ”protestant capitalist ethic” South and west coast Emphasis on personal faith Politically conservative Modes of religious life in the 20th Century The «folkekirke» – or the people’s church Life rites: Christening, Confirmation, Weddings, Funeral CofN Church buildings often local hub More liberal ethics Eastern, middle and Northern Norway Modes of non-religious life