Political Contestation, Secularization, and Religious Supply: Why is Morality Policy so Restrictive in the Faroe Islands?

• Published in: Politics and Religion
• Main Authors: van Kersbergen, Kees, Lindberg, Erla Leifsdóttir
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2015
• Subjects: Faroe Islands
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1755048315000619; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1755048315000619

Abstract The Nordic countries pursue permissive policies with regard to morality issues. There is, however, one exception: the Faroe Islands. This country pursues remarkably conservative policies. Drawing on morality issue theory, secularization theory, and the supply side theory of religion, we develop a framework that explains the political dynamics around morality issues and policies in this country. We contribute to the understanding of the various ways in which religion can enter politics by showing how and why a minimal politicization of morality issues can coincide with a strong religious wording of such issues in a context where a high level of religiosity stands out. Religious vitality came about because religion became attached to the nationalist and language struggle, which encouraged religious activity. The ample supply of religion accounts for religious vitality, which, in turn, explains why religion continues to play in morality politics.