Today, we delve into the intriguing realm of Icelandic religion, exploring the unique spiritual tapestry that weaves through the cultural landscape of this enchanting Nordic island.
Is Iceland an atheist country?
Similar to other Nordic countries Iceland's religious landscape may appear irreligious when observed through the lens of monotheistic Middle Eastern perspectives like Christianity, Islam, or Judaism. Unlike these traditions that emphasize submission to a defined deity dictating various aspects of life, Nordic religious traditions lack such central authority.
In the Nordic context, spirituality is deeply rooted in a connection to nature. For many Nordic individuals, the essence of religion is found in nature, where life is perceived as a manifestation of diverse energies – some small, some cosmic. This perspective varies among the Nordic populace, with interpretations ranging from internal psychological processes to external relationships with nature through rituals. Despite the differences in outlook, this distinctive perspective doesn't diminish the religious nature of Icelandic spirituality; it simply offers a unique and varied approach to the concept of religiosity.
In the Nordic context, spirituality is deeply rooted in a connection to nature. For many Nordic individuals, the essence of religion is found in nature, where life is perceived as a manifestation of diverse energies – some small, some cosmic. This perspective varies among the Nordic populace, with interpretations ranging from internal psychological processes to external relationships with nature through rituals. Despite the differences in outlook, this distinctive perspective doesn't diminish the religious nature of Icelandic spirituality; it simply offers a unique and varied approach to the concept of religiosity.
Did Iceland declare religion as mental disorder?
While some individuals initially believed claims that the Icelandic government declared religion a mental disorder, it was later revealed that the information stemmed from a satirical article published in 2020 by Laughing in Disbelief. This satire blog, hosted on the non-denominational religious platform Patheos, clarified that its articles are not real and intended for comedic purposes.
The satirical article falsely asserted that the Icelandic parliament had voted in 2017 to place mental health warnings on all Bibles and banned American televangelists. These claims, along with the notion of declaring religion a mental disorder, were part of the satirical content created by Laughing in Disbelief.
The satirical article falsely asserted that the Icelandic parliament had voted in 2017 to place mental health warnings on all Bibles and banned American televangelists. These claims, along with the notion of declaring religion a mental disorder, were part of the satirical content created by Laughing in Disbelief.
Is there freedom from religion in Iceland?
The constitution affirms the right of all individuals to establish religious associations and freely practice their faith, with the condition that such practices do not undermine good morals or public order. It guarantees the right of individuals to refrain from joining religious associations and ensures that no one is obligated to pay personal dues to a religious group they are not a part of. Moreover, individuals cannot be deprived of their civil or national rights based on their religious beliefs, and they cannot use religious grounds as a reason to refuse civic duties. The constitution explicitly prohibits only those religious teachings or practices that are detrimental to good morals or public order. Additionally, the law emphasizes the freedom of individuals to choose or change their religion.
What are the main religions in Iceland?
In 2023, the majority of the Icelandic population identified as Christians, with Lutheranism being the predominant affiliation. The Church of Iceland accounted for a significant portion, along with various minor Lutheran free churches like the Reykjavík Free Church, the Hafnarfjörður Free Church, and the Independent Lutheran Congregation. Roman Catholicism, primarily followed by members of the Polish immigrant community, was the largest non-Lutheran Christian group. Other Christian denominations, including Pentecostalism, Orthodox Christianity, Seventh-day Adventism, Baptist Christianity, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Latter-day Saints Mormonism, collectively made up a smaller percentage of the population.
Religion in Iceland: percentage
In Iceland, the largest religious affiliation is the Evangelical Lutheran Church, representing 62.3% of the population. Roman Catholicism follows with a 4% share, and there are also smaller denominations like the Reykjavik Free Church (2.7%) and the Hafnarfjordur Free Church (2%). Pagan worship holds a 1.4% share, while the Icelandic Ethical Humanist group comprises 1.1%. Other religions, including Zuist and Pentecostal, collectively make up 4% of the population. A notable portion of the population, 7.6%, identifies as having no religious affiliation. Additionally, 15% fall into the category of other or unspecified beliefs. This diversity reflects the varied religious landscape in Iceland.
Religion in Iceland: history and facts
In the 9th–10th century, when Iceland was initially settled by Norwegians, Swedes, and Norse settlers from Britain, it housed a small number of Irish Christian anchorites known as papar. As Scandinavians arrived in larger numbers, these anchorites left or were driven out due to the migration influenced by the political changes in Norway under Harald Fairhair.
The early Icelandic society, accustomed to a monarchy's role in religious life, diverged from this tradition by establishing the Althing, a yearly assembly of free men, instead of a new monarchy. The Althing, a form of the "thing" assembly seen in Germanic societies, was characterized by loyalty to a law code rather than a holy king.
Icelandic landowners were organized into religio-political groups called goðorð, led by a goði or "god-man," who served as a part-time priest. The religio-political organization of early Iceland was described as "pagan and anti-monarchic." The primary religion, known as Goðatrú or Ásatrú, involved the worship of landvættir, local land spirits, and gods from the common northern Germanic tradition.
The Christianization of Iceland in the 10th–11th century marked a significant shift. Despite the presence of Christianity from the beginning, Icelanders initially demonstrated a syncretic attitude, integrating Jesus Christ among their deities. The formal conversion to Christianity was decided by the Althing in 999/1000, with the adoption of Christianity as the state religion.
In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation reached Iceland, leading to the dissolution of Catholic monasteries and the suppression of Catholic ceremonies. The last Catholic bishops, Øgmundur Pállson and Jón Arason, were in conflict with each other but reconciled temporarily due to the threat posed by Lutheranism. The spread of Lutheran pamphlets and the efforts of figures like Gissur Einarsson played a crucial role in the Reformation.
In the 20th–21st century, Iceland saw a decline in Christianity and a rise in new religious movements. The literary tradition, including the Eddas and the Sagas, provided a link to the pagan past. Neopagan religions, especially Germanic Heathenry or Ásatrú, experienced a resurgence. The Ásatrúarfélagið was founded in 1972, contributing to the revitalization of the northern Germanic religion. The Zuist Church, recognized by the Icelandic state in 2013, became a platform for protest against the state Lutheran church and church tax.
The early Icelandic society, accustomed to a monarchy's role in religious life, diverged from this tradition by establishing the Althing, a yearly assembly of free men, instead of a new monarchy. The Althing, a form of the "thing" assembly seen in Germanic societies, was characterized by loyalty to a law code rather than a holy king.
Icelandic landowners were organized into religio-political groups called goðorð, led by a goði or "god-man," who served as a part-time priest. The religio-political organization of early Iceland was described as "pagan and anti-monarchic." The primary religion, known as Goðatrú or Ásatrú, involved the worship of landvættir, local land spirits, and gods from the common northern Germanic tradition.
The Christianization of Iceland in the 10th–11th century marked a significant shift. Despite the presence of Christianity from the beginning, Icelanders initially demonstrated a syncretic attitude, integrating Jesus Christ among their deities. The formal conversion to Christianity was decided by the Althing in 999/1000, with the adoption of Christianity as the state religion.
In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation reached Iceland, leading to the dissolution of Catholic monasteries and the suppression of Catholic ceremonies. The last Catholic bishops, Øgmundur Pállson and Jón Arason, were in conflict with each other but reconciled temporarily due to the threat posed by Lutheranism. The spread of Lutheran pamphlets and the efforts of figures like Gissur Einarsson played a crucial role in the Reformation.
In the 20th–21st century, Iceland saw a decline in Christianity and a rise in new religious movements. The literary tradition, including the Eddas and the Sagas, provided a link to the pagan past. Neopagan religions, especially Germanic Heathenry or Ásatrú, experienced a resurgence. The Ásatrúarfélagið was founded in 1972, contributing to the revitalization of the northern Germanic religion. The Zuist Church, recognized by the Icelandic state in 2013, became a platform for protest against the state Lutheran church and church tax.
