Sweden is a very interesting country in which pagan beliefs and Christianity still coexist. But, despite this, more than half of the country's population consider themselves atheists. Amazing right?
Sweden: Norse Mythology
The territorial location of Sweden has become decisive in the religious preferences of its population. The pantheon of the Scandinavian gods, which was recognized by the northern Germanic tribes, became close to the ancient Swedes. Almost throughout the country were located ancient temples, where they served various pagan deities. Their number is difficult to calculate even now, many tribes had absolutely their own ideas about the gods and their service. This led to the fact that tribes scattered at that time often attacked each other in connection with an allegedly divine command.
Quite often, priests performed human sacrifices. This was especially welcomed in lean years, then the victims became regular. At other times, such practices were used only in some cults that were respected in northern Sweden.
Christianity: Unconquered Sweden
The religion of the country has not been united for a long time. Even the arrival of Christian preachers in Sweden did not change the situation. If pastors were accepted in some tribes, in others they were immediately killed or expelled to loud indignant cries. For two centuries, Christian preachers tried to spread their faith among all Swedish tribes.
And although Christianity is now the main religion, Sweden has not received an official baptism date. Almost all European states can proudly name the date when they joined Christianity. But not Sweden. Religion penetrated the country gradually, each time expanding its sphere of influence. Of course, this was not easy, but the priests did not abandon attempts to bring light to lost souls. As a result, we can say that Sweden, finally, joined the whole officially baptized world in the eleventh century.
Religion: the struggle of Protestantism and Lutheranism
Christianity, so long planted by the Swedish tribes, had several currents. At first, Protestant priests enjoyed great influence in the country. They actively built churches and monasteries. The kings of Sweden also respected this Christian movement.
But the Lutherans sought to seize the church leadership. For many years they fought for the right to be the main religion of the state. And I must admit that they succeeded. The result of this long confrontation between the two main European movements of Christianity was bloody war and rebellion. A century later, the Protestants regained their supremacy and no longer let the souls of believers out of their hands, giving blessings.
Religion in Sweden today
Sweden is currently a country that officially recognizes the Protestant movement as its main religion. In a relatively small state there are more than three thousand churches.
Until the middle of the last century, all priests belonged to civil servants. They not only conducted services, but also registered all acts of civil status. The entire population of Sweden is the payer of a special church tax, it is automatically calculated from any income. Many Swedes do not even know that such a tax exists in their tax base.
For most people in Sweden, the church is an integral part of their daily lives. They even regularly attend divine services, which, incidentally, are very unusual for the eyes of a Russian person, and baptize their children. But the situation with true faith in God is not so rosy here.
The most unbelieving God population in the world
Sweden, whose religion is practically the most widespread in the world, classifies itself as a country with a predominantly unbelieving population. More than eighty-five percent of Swedes already recognize themselves as atheists. They treat religion as a secular cult, which they must follow.
The priests are trying in every possible way to expand their flock and lure the youth into the church by all kinds of methods that seem simply fantastic. For example, many churches open spa centers and entertainment clubs. But at the moment, the situation with faith in God in the country is close to critical.
In addition, for several years, priests have been trying to prevent the spread of long-forgotten Scandinavian cults among young people. They are becoming mega-popular, and in some parts of the country even the shrines of ancient gods are being built.
Still, of all the Scandinavian countries, the most controversial is Sweden. Religion, atheism and paganism - everything coexists successfully here among the local population. And although representatives of religious faiths and movements are waging an endless battle for the souls and hearts of the Swedes, so far they are losing significantly. Indeed, today Sweden almost unanimously chooses atheism.