Is Christianity Mocked and Dead in Sweden?

Religionism, the uncritical and mocking stance towards religion, is often seen as an affliction of a declining eccentric minority, particularly within well-educate, peaceful, and godless secular democracies of the developed world. In Sweden, a predominantly non-religious country, Christian churches have seen a significant drop in regular attendance, with most of the remaining members being part of a minority percentage of the population. However, the concept of mocking religion, especially Christianity, is rare and usually met with ridicule.

The Reality of Mocking Christianity in Sweden

The only ones who do mock Christianity in Sweden, according to local perceptions, are those with distinct characteristics like purple hair and an obsession with gender and LGBT rights. Many of them identify as communists and often face backlash for their views. Interestingly, these individuals do not dare to mock Islam publicly, likely due to fear of negative consequences. However, it is noteworthy that Christianity in Sweden and around the world is actually gaining more popularity among young people. Factors include the large immigration of Muslims, often very religious, as well as a desire to challenge the secular views prevalent in media.

Recover of Faith Among Young Swedes

One such example is the author, who is 34 years old and has been increasingly interested in religion over the last eight years. The journey of faith has brought him to read extensively about religion, attend church, and participate in ALPHA meetings, where he learned more about Jesus and Christianity. Recently, he even commissioned a large painting of Jesus, which he will hang in his living room. The author attributes the peaceful atmosphere in Europe, in part, to Christian teachings, such as “Love your enemy”. He acknowledges that this teaching, while still applicable in the modern context, requires a balance with tolerance, which he believes is also coming to an end for many people in Europe.

Conclusion: A Rebirth of Religious Interest

Despite the secularization and challenges faced by traditional religion, the reality in Sweden and other developed countries is that Christianity is far from dead and continues to see a resurgence among young people. The mocking and disapproval of religion, when it does occur, is often grounded in misunderstanding and fear, rather than evidence or logic. As society evolves, there is a growing recognition that the values and teachings of Christianity play a vital role in shaping the peaceful and harmonious nature of modern Europe. The future may yet see a resurgence of faith and religious practice, disrupting the status quo of secularization.