Iceland Religion

Lanie R. Lanier

The purpose of this website is to go through the history of Ancient Icelandic Religion to present day time.

To see how far Iceland has come from it's once conservative religious views to now the Religious Freedom Icelanders and ones alike experience.

What is Religion? What makes a Religion?

Religion is a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices.

There are no rules to what makes a Religion. It can be narrowed down but not exclusive to a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldwide views that relate to humanity, spirituality, and maybe even moral values.

There are aspects to what can apply to religion, which is Religiosity.

What is Religiosity?

Religiosity is an individual's religious belief and practice, reflecting the extent to which individual's follows religious teachings or beliefs.

There are 4 dimensions of Religiosity.

Self-Identification~ Identifying with a particular tradition
Public/Private Religious Practice ~ Rituals like attending communal gatherings on a particular day, frequent prayer, and or religious devotion at home
Supernatural Belief ~ Believing in God, Gods, spirits, and the afterlife
Importance of Religion ~ The intensity of how strongly to hold onto beliefs

What is the Religious History of Iceland?

The religious history of Iceland really kicked off in the early 9th century sometime during the years 999/1000 C.E. when Scandinavian settlers brought their Germanic religion with them; Norse Paganism Religion. They were polytheists. Worshiping multiple gods and goddesses like Thor, Freya, Odin, Loki and even more. This was for the most part Iceland's majority religion at the time.

Christianity was already already a religion with many followers but King Ólafur influenced it's movement to a wider "audience". Norse Paganism was abolished when Christianity became Mandatory, brought by King Ólafur (King of Norway).

In his eyes, Christianity was the best and should only be worshiped. There wasn't enough room for both religions to be praised. Only one was worthy of worship. If you didn't agree with his actions, it could be possible to be punishable by death.

“In the beginning, he boasted some success … but he also ran into opposition and even killed a few Icelandic skalds who composed lampooning poetry about him. King Ólafur got so furious that he threatened to kill every pagan Icelander in Norway”

These are King Ólafur own words.

There was soon conflict between both practices. When Christian missionaries burned down multiple shrines and temples of Norse Paganism.

After all the bloodshed and chaos, Paganism was worshiped not as prevalent, soon forgotten and no longer worshiped.

What is the significance Lutheranism?

In the 16th century Lutheranism had in fellowship, lead by Martin Luther. The first person to reform the Catholic Church.

The council agreed to only Christianity but Lutheranism was just a growing belief. A bishop who had the power of order, reorganized the church to fit Lutheran Church. One of the Lutheran practices were to suppress Catholic practices.

This bishop would pass and the one who was next in line begin teaching Christian practices again. Church Literature and teaching were hard to translate. However the Lutheran teachings were clear and easy to communicate. So it was harder to have Lutheran practices to become abolished.

In 1584, the first Icelandic bible was translated, then published and up for purchase.

The Lutheran Church became Iceland's State Church in 1550.

Statistics

There is a huge drop in the affiliation with the church of Iceland (Lutheran State Church). In 1998, more than 90% of Iceland’s population were members of the church. Then to 72% in 2016. Then again in 2022, dropped lower to 61%.

There has been an increase in those who don’t identify as religious at all. From 5% in 2004 to about 15% in 2016. The affliction is measured based on the rate of baptism. A survey asked how often Icelanders pray. Studies came back, as follows: Icelanders who have prayed went from 24% to 38%. While praying daily, it went from 20% to 13%. Also declining is weekly Church attendance.

With these statistics, Icelanders, whether they engage in church activities private/ public or not, are still baptizing their children at the Lutheran Church.

Many speculate the reason being is social importance. Whatever your beliefs are, the parents share something; an undeniable force to protect their children from harm. Call it superstition or whatever you’d like, religion is in everyday life.

Baptism is an important social construct. “... the ties established at baptism retain some social importance long after the average Icelander will have stopped displaying the attitudes and habits, characteristics of a Christian believer (Fordhal and Ragnarsdottir, p.12).

Christianity is still influential in major life changing events (baptism, weddings, and burials).

What is Present day Religion like?

The Lutheran Church also still plays a part in today’s time, as they cater to many important events.

Christianity is the most predominant in Iceland today but not the only one.

Iceland has adapted very well for the 21st Century. They have their own way of doing things. Iceland is definitely the definition of a forefront. They are strong and united. Other places can learn things from them. In the future, I wouldn't be surprised if they are on the news for creating a new invention or a protest. Something that will make heads turn.

Today there are over 40+ active religions in Iceland.

Iceland understands how much religion can play a part in day to day life as a society. It is a diverse place where any religion is welcomed. Where you don't have to conform to any societal views because everything's so different. Many people in Iceland understand the importance of mutual respect for those who aren't like them.

Whether or not someone believes in religion, there will always be a feeling of something watching over and protecting. It is just human instinct and curiosity. Religion is everywhere from superstitions to everyday life to important traditions. Whatever your beliefs are you are playing a part with simple things like celebrating birthdays, Easter, Christmas. Religion is everywhere and we adapt and may change bits and pieces but the tradition is still alive and thriving.

Author's Note

I think Iceland is an amazing place and I am sure they have bad parts as well but it seems so ahead of its time. The more I read the more I want to go. I feel it is a place where your beliefs or religion are taking a toll on you because of personal reasons or circumstances. It would be a great place to see for yourself the freedom of religion they have.

THANK YOU FOR READING!!!!!!!!!!!

More about the Author

Hello, My name is Lanie. I am born and raised in North Carolina. I am a Black women. My favorite color is Brown. I am almost 6 ft tall. I love My family. I have 3 dogs, Rain, Bailey, and baby. I love cats <3., and I wanna be a Billionaire.

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