Sweden is a very interesting country where pagan beliefs and Christianity still coexist. But, despite this, more than half of the country's population consider themselves atheists. Amazing, isn't it?
Sweden: Scandinavian 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. Ancient temples were located almost throughout the country, 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 serving them. This led to the fact that the tribes scattered at that time often attacked each other in connection with the supposedly divine command.
Quite often the priests performed human sacrifices. This was especially welcomed in lean years, then the victims became regular. At other times, such practicesused only in some cults respected in the north of Sweden.
Christianity: Unconquered Sweden
The country's religion has not been united for a long time. Even the arrival of Christian preachers in Sweden did not change the situation. If in some tribes pastors were accepted, then in others they were immediately killed or driven out to loud indignant cries. For two centuries, Christian preachers have tried to spread their faith among all Swedish tribes.
Although Christianity is now the main religion, Sweden has not yet received an official baptismal 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, it was not easy, but the priests did not stop trying to bring light to the lost souls. As a result, we can say that Sweden finally joined the whole officially baptized world in the eleventh century.
Religion: the struggle between Protestantism and Lutheranism
Christianity, so long implanted in 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 treated this Christian movement with respect.
But the Lutherans sought to seize the headship of the church into their own hands. For many years they fought for the right to be the main religion of the state. And we must admit that they succeeded. The outcome of thislong confrontation between the two main European currents of Christianity were bloody wars and rebellions. A century later, the Protestants regained their leadership and no longer let the souls of believers out from under their blessing-giving hand.
Religion in Sweden today
At the moment, Sweden is 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 were civil servants. They not only conducted divine services, but also registered all acts of civil status. The entire population of Sweden is subject to a special church tax, which is automatically deducted from any income. Many Swedes are not even aware 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, by the way, 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 world's most unbelieving population in the world
Sweden, whose religion is almost the most widespread in the world, considers itself to be a country with a predominantly non-believing population. Already more than eighty-five percent of Swedes recognize themselves as atheists. They treat religion as a secular cult that they must follow.
Priests are trying in every possible way to expand their flock and lure young people into the church with all sorts 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.
Besides, for several years priests have been trying to prevent the long-forgotten Scandinavian cults from spreading among young people. They are becoming mega popular, and in some parts of the country even shrines of the ancient gods are being built.
Still, of all the Scandinavian countries, Sweden is the most controversial. Religion, atheism and paganism - everything successfully coexists here among the local population. And although representatives of religious denominations and movements are waging an endless battle for the souls and hearts of the Swedes, so far they have been losing significantly. Indeed, today Sweden almost unanimously chooses atheism.
