In this paper the author describes and analyzes central features of Islam and Muslim-Christian relations in Norway. By close observation of the tension between interreligious solidarity and aggressive identity politics, the author highlights some central features of the trust-building Christian-Muslim dialogue in Norway. He also notes how anti-Islamic sentiments in part of the majority population are reflected in radicalization among some Muslim youths. However, the situation in general is described in more optimistic terms. He also identifies two examples showing that the majority of the Muslim population seem to endorse strong values evident in society in general– such as the welfare state and gender equality. Finally, the author poses the question pertaining to the way in which Christians and Muslims may adopt a unified stance against extremism.
References
1.
Sultan S. Muslimer i statskristendommens land» (Muslims in a land of state Christianity. In: Farvel til statskirken?
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
126 moskéer – én kvinnelig leder”. Vårt Land.
10.
Øia T. Ung i Oslo 2012. NOVA Notat.
11.
Stopp volden mot kristne i Pakistan’. kirken.no.
12.
The report “Fear, Inc. The Roots of the Islamophobia Network in America.
13.
Kristenledere sammen mot islamfobi og muslimhets» (Christian leaders together agains Islamophobia and defamation of Muslims.
14.
Norway S. Levekår blant innvandrere i Norge 2005-2006 (Living conditions among immigrants in Norway)”. SSB Rapport.
15.
Bangstad S, Linge M. IslamNet – puritansk salafisme i Norge. Kirke og Kultur. 2013;118(3):254–72.
16.
Qutb M, Cf. Islam – the misunderstood religion.
17.
Linge M. Den konservative muslimske vekkelsen. Om IslamNet, Profetens Ummah og salafismens fremvekst i Norge. Samtiden. 2014;122(4):38–52.
18.
Berntzen LE, Sandberg S. The Collective Nature of Lone Wolf Terrorism: Anders Behring Breivik and the Anti-Islamic Social Movement. Terrorism and Political Violence. 2014;26(5):759–79.
19.
Akerhaug L. Norsk jihad; muslimske ekstremister blant oss.
20.
Ishaq B. Muslimer i endring.
21.
Integreringsbarometeret 2012, Holdninger til innvandrere, integrering og mangfold (Integration barometer 2012, Attitudes to questions concerning immigrants, integration and diversity. IMDi Rapport/Report.
22.
Døving A, Shami S, Lindholm T. Religious Commitment and Social Integration: Are there Significant Links? A Pilot Study of Muslims in the Oslo Area with a Family Background from Pakistan. SSRN Electronic Journal.
The statements, opinions and data contained in the journal are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publisher and the editor(s). We stay neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
