Sweden: religion, turned into atheism

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. It's amazing, is not 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. Almost all over 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 ideas about the gods and serving them. This led to the fact that the tribes scattered for that period often attacked each other in connection with a supposedly divine command.

Quite often priests performed human sacrifices. This was especially welcomed in the lean years, then the victims became regular. At other times, such practices were used only in some cults that are respected in the north of Sweden.

Christianity: unconquered Sweden

The religion of the country was long unified. Even the arrival of Christian preachers in Sweden did not change the situation. If pastors were accepted in some tribes, then in others they were immediately killed or expelled under loud outraged cries. For two centuries, Christian preachers tried to spread their faith among all the Swedish tribes.

And although now Christianity is the main religion, Sweden has not received the official date of baptism. Virtually 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 abandon attempts to bring light to the lost souls. In the end, we can say that Sweden was finally joined to the officially christened 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 used the greatest influence in the country. They actively built churches and monasteries. The kings of Sweden also treated this Christian trend with respect.

But the Lutherans aspired to take the ecclesiastical supremacy 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 this long confrontation between the two main European currents of Christianity was bloody wars and riots. A century later, the Protestants regained their primacy and no longer let the souls of believers out from under their own hands, giving a blessing.

Religion in Sweden today

At the moment, Sweden is a country that officially recognizes the Protestant current 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 a 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 of 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 eye of a Russian person, and they baptize their children. But the situation with true faith in God is not so rosy here.

The most unbelieving in God population in the world

Sweden, whose religion is practically the most widespread in the world, refers to countries with a predominantly unbelieving population. Already more than eighty-five percent of Swedes recognize themselves as atheists. They refer to religion as a secular cult, to which they are obliged to follow.

The priests try every way to expand their flock and entice 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.

In addition, for several years the priests have been trying to prevent the spread among the youth of long-forgotten Scandinavian cults. They become mega popular, and in some parts of the country even the sanctuaries of the ancient gods are erected.

Still, Sweden is the most controversial of all Scandinavian countries. Religion, atheism and paganism - everything successfully coexists here among the local population. And although representatives of religious faiths and trends lead an endless battle for the souls and hearts of the Swedes, so far they are losing significantly. After all, today Sweden almost unanimously chooses atheism.