What to say briefly about Iceland? This northernmost country was recognized as the most comfortable for living in the whole world. It is on glaciers and permafrost! Here the lowest gap between rich and poor, the highest average life expectancy, the most environmentally friendly environment, the highest reading population. Add to all this fantastically unrealistic landscapes, the proximity to active volcanoes and geysers, and it becomes clear that people here must be special. What is religion and culture in Iceland ? What do Icelanders believe and fear?
Who are Icelanders
The island of Iceland became a settlement of hermit monks from Ireland. The religion they professed - Christianity - became the original belief on the island. The Viking descendants who subsequently settled the country: Swedes, Norwegians, Danes, worshiped their god and brought their belief - asatra. The indigenous inhabitants of Iceland consider themselves descendants of the Vikings and Celts. Political and commercial ties with other powers forced the Irish to officially adopt the European faith - Christianity.
The date of its revival in Iceland is considered to be the year 1000. It was from this period that the church began to control the state and forbade pagan rituals and sacrifices.
Modern religion
During this period, the main religion of Iceland is Evangelical Lutheranism. Adherents of the Lutheran church make up about 85% of the population. The catholic part of the inhabitants is made up of Polish specialists (about 3%). You can find Baptists, Buddhists, Muslims, Orthodox Christians in Iceland - these are small communities from families, by the will of fate abandoned to this land.
Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Cathedral, which is located in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, is one of the ten most expensive religious buildings in the world. The monumental building with a bell tower of 75 meters was built 38 years, and the cost of its construction amounted to 25 million dollars.
Religion and Politics
In the country of Iceland, the religion of the Evangelical Lutheran church is state, which is enshrined in the corresponding article of the Constitution. According to the Basic Law, all citizens of the country have the full right to freedom of religion. No religious associations of citizens shall be prosecuted if their activities do not lead to a violation of law and order and infringement of other citizens.
Lutheran services are broadcast daily on television. All citizens of Iceland, regardless of religion, must pay fees: believers - for the maintenance of their church, unbelievers - to the University of Iceland.
Lutheranism as a religion
Who are the Protestants? What is Lutheranism? What religion is in Iceland?
The religious Protestant movement began in the 16th century in Germany and is named for Martin Luther, who led it. Luther's followers protested against the injustice and abuse of Catholic priests. Their principles found support among believers, and as a result, a new Christian movement formed - the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Lutherans accept the priest as an equal among all, just as a preacher, recognize only two sacraments (baptism and communion), worship only God and the Bible.
Paganism in Icelandic
If Christianity has established itself as a necessary link in the political and economic system, then in the hearts and souls of the inhabitants of the island of Iceland the religion of paganism has remained to live as the religion of the ancestors. Asatru did not go away and did not leave. Icelanders have always celebrated pagan holidays along with memorable dates of Christianity. And the belief in otherworldly forces among the inhabitants of an ice country is simply amazing. Well-educated modern people sacredly believe in the life-giving power of nature and its phenomena, in the existence of a parallel world of gnomes, elves and other inhabitants.
Asatru is considered the second official religion of Iceland. In 1973, the first pagan community was founded. Confirmation of undying paganism was that the construction of the first pagan temple was begun in Reykjavik.
It is possible that this remoteness from the continent allowed to keep intact the veneration of ancient rites that were incinerated on the mainland. But the younger generation of Icelanders is more and more inclined to the faith of their ancestors, though without sacrifices.
Unbelieving youth
A survey conducted on the island of Iceland: which religion is closer to you - showed an unexpected result. When asked about the origin of life on Earth, most of the young people surveyed answered that they did not believe in the divine origin of everything earthly. The leadership of the state church, however, is not very concerned about this result, citing the fact that education and faith in science do not impede the general religiosity of the younger generation.
New faith
All believers in Iceland are required to register in a single register. This procedure is necessary for paying tax, regardless of belief. Naturally, not everyone likes to pay money “for faith”. The exclusive of the island of Iceland is a religion that is created and exists only here. The so-called Zuism has gained unprecedented popularity in the country, precisely thanks to the tax situation. The fact is that its founders declare their disagreement with the taxation of believers and promise to annul the registry and return to the parishioners all previously paid funds.
The new religion is officially authorized by the authorities and registered in the state register. Preachers of Zuism claim that the basis of their beliefs is the religion of the ancient Sumerians. You can relate differently to the phenomenon, but the number of Zuists has already reached three thousand people. This is a significant amount, given the small total population of Iceland. In any case, there are fewer Muslims on the island. Apparently, the situation with taxes is a serious reason in order to change one’s affiliation with one or another denomination, because, as has already been said, unbelievers are also taxed with this tax.
Here it is, the religious (or not so) country of Iceland. Even on this issue, it appears as a mysterious and unique part of Europe.