Differences in Christian Practices......

Since this is a trip about studying the practices of a different culture I want to share some of the
dfferences I have noted up to this point. There are four that immediately come to mind:

1. Baptism - Many, if not most, baptisms are done in the house. This raised questions for me about how the congregation is able to show their support for the spiritual growth of the baptized as we express at the baptism. Even though there are 20-80 people in attendance at the baptism it is a unique difference I found to be interesting.
When asked why baptisms are done in the home it was explained this has been the way for over a couple hundred years. Since churches were not heated it was easier and less of a health risk to keep the baby in the home.

2. Confirmation - In Iceland, confirmation seems to be practiced almost as an"exit" from the churchrather then an entry as an adult member. Attendance among younger people is very low. Confirmation for us in the States is acceptance as a full member of the church with all the privileges and responsibilities; there does not seem to be anything like this over here. Because of this church attendance is low until these new confirmands start their own families and bring their children to church.

3. Voluntary versus compulsory church - Church is state sponsored in Iceland and that has brought up many different questions and discussions. This will have to wait for another blog post. But needless to say there are some very interesting differences brought about by having the government involved.

4. Offering- Tithing is not discussed in the church because the funding for churches comes from a government tariff. This tariff is a per person tariff and then is given to the church to cover costs. Because of this, offering is only taken for special projects such as hunger relief, building fund, or others.
Up until recently this was overseen by the government with few problems. But with tough economic times the government is digging into this tariff and keeping some for itself. It looks like a government is a government regardless of what country you are in at the time.

All in all there have been many differences but one idea has remained constant. Christ is the center of all we do regardless of being in the United States or in Iceland. This message is universal.