Worldview
According to “countries and other cultures” states that Iceland was founded by a group of sailors along with their captain named Ingolfur Arnason; all these men got sealed in Iceland. They started to build their homes and grow crops and goods along with the natural sources Iceland provided, such as fishing. Ones they were all sealed down, they brought some of their slaves from Scandinavians, and other people from other countries started to settle in Iceland as they fled from their own countries, especially Norway. Around the 1930s, Iceland established what they called “general assembly,” this was when Christianity was first introduced to Icelandic. The majority converted themselves the Christianity since their counsel established it, in other words, the general assembly.
As the region grew, more people settled in Iceland; they also brought their traditions and religious beliefs. According to the article I read, most Icelanders are Evangelical Lutherans, who comprise 92 percent of the whole population in this country. Since the settlement of these people throughout time and generations, other religions have been added and introduced to Icelanders. I like to add a direct quote from Religion in Iceland that says, “Overall, there are 41 religions in Iceland alone, ranging from Christianity, Islam, Paganism, Buddhism, Zuism, and a lot of other religions. Every Icelander is a part of a religious group who believes in one religion or the other. This fact makes Iceland one of the most religiously diverse groups on earth. Their ability to accept every religion side by side is the reason why so many religions can survive for this long. However, of all the Christian groups present in Iceland, the National Church of Iceland called the Hallgrimskirkja is the largest.” I have also added a picture below of the church in Hallgrimskirkja, located in their state capital Reykjavik and is known for being one of the most churched in that region.
As mentioned in the previous quote I just presented, we came to learn that Iceland has more than 40 religions in the country, and like most people, the majority do believe that there does indeed exist a God. Most believe in him (God); like most of the population, some attend a congregation, and others don’t. Icelanders also believe in supernatural forces such as Huldufólk, or, in other words, also referred to as “elves,” who live with magical/power rocks. To most Icelanders, these elves are supernatural forces with majestic power, and these creatures live among them just the way they do. These creatures have normal human life we do, but if one disturbs their natural habits, they will bring natural forces and consequences.
In conclusion, the cultural groups I am studying do indeed allow the practices of other religions within their regions. I mentioned in my previous paragraphs that the Icelanders and Norwegians agreed on how they could continue to worship their gods without interfering with others' religions and beliefs. Icelanders have given their people the freedom to practice their religion and beliefs, and they all have their own churches where they gather to worship. Overall, I learned so much about Iceland and how Christianity came to be introduced to this nation.
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