Aðskilnaður ríkis og kirkju. Síðari grein

Abstract

This is the second article of two where the author analyses the discourse about the separation between church and state in Iceland in the period 1915–1995. In this article he deals with the arguments given against separation. In the first one he dealt with the opposite views. In the discussion it was common to state that separation would reduce the potential of the National church of Iceland to fulfill its traditional role among the nation at least on the countryside. It was also considered that, when separated, the National church would be far worse positioned to fulfill its multifaceted social role in the community. Still, some participants argued for separation of “principle reasons”. As an example, it was pointed out that Christianity was one of the main defenses of Western culture against the threat posed by Communism during the Cold War. It was also pointed out that in Iceland the Church had been one of the main sources of spiritual culture among the nation. Furthermore, it was pointed out that the separation of state and church would trigger a religious chaos when fanatical sectarian groups funded by foreign movements would advance in Iceland. Finally, it was stated that some connections would always be needed between church and state wherever and they must be organized by law according to the history, tradition and experience of each country.