What other country can sport the world record of a 85% population of Atheists according to research, and yet have 90-95% actually members of the state Lutheran church?
Freaky, we are, in our relation to Church and Religion.
I'm not sure I know anyone who isn't an Atheist. I know this sound alien to an Americans ears, but it's true. It may be that my mother in law possibly have some form of belief, but I'm not sure. It's not something you ever discuss, really.
That's not because I am a particularily odd person, that's how it is over here.
Yet I am a member of the Lutheran state church. I was baptised in church, I was married in church, and I will be buried in church. And I want that. I desire that. I'd fight for my right to do that.
Because I love our church.
Now don't faint. I'm talking about the building.
Our local church is a beautiful, cathedral like 16:th century building built on top of a 10:th century foundation. The building oozes history. I love it!
(Sometimes when I see US "mom and pop" churches on corners, I want to whip out a pic of "my" church, and in the voice of Mick 'Crocodile' Dundee say "That's not a church, this is a church")
It's a fantastic locale. I'm member of the state church because that means you pay church tax (some tiny half percent) and I am proud to pay to keep this building standing and in shape. I am proud of our history. I love our church.
But I don't believe in God.
Frankly, I think the priest that married myself and my wife doesn't either. But that's a topic for another day.
Stay tuned...
/Z
1 comment:
Actually, you don't need to be a member of the church to pay for the upkeep of the buildings. That money is taken from regular taxes anyway and handed directly from the state to the "Svenska kyrkan".
Though, you need to be a member to get married in church and such.
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