Atheism in Sweden and Beyond: A Personal Perspective

According to a Swedish man I recently spoke with, approximately 90% of the Swedish population identify as atheist. This figure, while surprising, is not far off from the attitudes I've observed in the Netherlands and in my own country of Canada. In this article, I will explore these observations and provide a personal perspective on the role of religion in these societies.

The Swedish Perspective: About 90% Atheist

When the Swedish man mentioned the 90% atheist figure, I was both intrigued and skeptical. However, his statement resonates with the anecdotal evidence I've gathered from friends and acquaintances who are self-identified atheists. In Sweden, religion seems to have little to no impact on daily life, a stark contrast to many other countries where religious beliefs are deeply ingrained.

The Dutch Perspective: Religion and Tension

In the Netherlands, even those who attend church regularly don't seem to be overly concerned with religion. My grandfather, a Calvinist, was indifferent to the fact that some family members belonged to a Satanic cult. This lack of religious tension is quite different from the United States, where religion often becomes a contentious issue, particularly between atheists and Christians.

The Canadian Experience: Hidden Atheism

In Canada, I have observed a similar pattern. Although official statistics may not accurately reflect the number of atheists, the low church attendance rates suggest a significant portion of the population doesn't identify as religious. For instance, during the wedding and christening of my sister and daughter, I witnessed the mixing of religious and secular practices. These events were either held in non-religious settings or conducted by individuals who didn't adhere to traditional religious roles.

Personal Beliefs and Skepticism

My own upbringing in Canada mirrors the secular approach to religion. I was never baptized or christened, nor had any formal religious indoctrination. My mother was a “Christian in the old sense,” not the extreme “born-again” variety, and my father's Quaker upbringing contributed to our agnostic household. My grandmother, a feminist, treated all children equally, regardless of sex, a view that my father and I shared.

At weddings, I've attended the vestry or pre-ceremony room where formal rituals are observed, but I've rarely entered the main sanctuaries. I've attended several weddings and funerals but have never taken part in a religious ceremony for the sake of communion with a deity I don't believe exists.

Skepticism and Questioning

When asked about my ability to appreciate the beauty of the world without believing in a god, I often respond with a series of questions. Given the existence of evil and suffering, which are present in all major religions, it's difficult to unequivocally attribute them to a particular deity. The answer is often that the individual believe in a different god, one that doesn't cause harm.

While not all deeply religious individuals find fault with their gods, there is a notable exception. Some religious Jews hold their god accountable for difficult situations, demanding change through their prayers. This candid approach can be admirable in its honesty and willingness to engage with the deity.

In conclusion, the high percentage of atheists in Sweden and the lower profile of religion in the Netherlands and Canada reflects a broader trend toward secularism in these societies. While some individuals still hold firm religious beliefs, the lack of overt religiosity in public life suggests a shift away from traditional religious practices.