Lúther á eylandinu. Viðtökur siðbótar á Íslandi frá sextándu til átjándu aldar

Abstract

In this article the focus in on the influence of Luther’s works in Iceland from the time of the Reformation to the 18th century. It is maintained that Luther had less impact within Iceland at this particular period of time, than was the case elsewhere within the Danish kingdom, the reason being the isolation of the Icelandic nation, and the small number of educated scholars in the society. An Icelandic Lutheran self-identity was not established, mainly because the country did not have any neighboring states with a different Christian creed. Furthermore, Icelandic authorities did not publish any of Luther’s writings written prior to the Peasant’s revolt (1524–1525), where Luther confronted the established culture, and encouraged people to be independent in their thinking. A list of Luther’s works published in Icelandic, reveals that they are very few compared to numerous other religious publications. The Small Catechism is an exception, because how often it was published. In his Catechism, Luther validated the society’s class structure, and reiterated that each individual should remain obedient to his or her authorities.