Sweden, being one of the most secular countries in the world, is surprising in its attitude towards religion. Surprisingly, only a few centuries ago the country was a springboard for Lutheranism, and religion played an important role in the lives of the inhabitants.
Today, about 60% of Swedes continue to call themselves members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden, but religious practice and church attendance remain low.
Although the Lutheran faith is still formally widespread in Sweden, most Swedes admit to being less involved in church life. This is an indicator of their secular worldview.
Interestingly, Sweden also has an unusual tendency to approach faith in an individual way. Of course, there is a certain amount of freedom in this. People often seek other, less dogmatic religious paths. Atheism and agnosticism are gaining popularity, becoming a kind of personal “religion” for part of the population.
Recent waves of immigration have brought with them an increasing number of citizens representing various world religions, including Islam, Judaism and Christianity of various denominations. This has brought a diverse spiritual landscape to the country, making it more multifaceted and open to new ideas.
Ironically, it is precisely this tolerance and respect for different faiths that has given Sweden stability and peaceful relations among the diversity of religions.
An important aspect is the incredible perception of religion as a private matter. Swedes tend not to discuss their beliefs in public, preferring to be tolerant and respectful of other views. This unregistered code of conduct ensures the peaceful coexistence of the many religious groups in the country, highlighting the uniqueness of the Swedish religious environment.