Religion in NorwayContemporary Norwegian society.pptxVIP

Religion in Norway:Contemporary Norwegian society Lars Laird Eriksen Sociology – 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 Shamanist Animist ”Noaider” Part ofwider germanic religious system Mostly knownthrough laterChristian sources Odin, Thor, Freya, Balder, Loke 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 state church is established! Church of Norway: 1000 years of Christian Tradition? Half of it Catholic! The bible in Danish Sermons in Norwegian/Danish The institutions needed to connect Norwegianness and religion established! Pietism – enforced by the state State pietism 1736: compulsory confirmation 1737: Bishop Pontoppidan’s QA book 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 Illegal religious meetings Industry and social work Imprisoned 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 capit