(Re)thinking Iceland’s Christianization: Alternative Theoretical Frameworks for the Investigation of Religious Change

Abstract

This paper critically examines the historiography of Iceland’s Christianization, focusing on the philosophical and theoretical frameworks that have shaped scholarly interpretations. It argues that the dominant Hegelian perspective, emphasizing teleological progress and institutional narratives, has constrained understanding of this complex historical process. By contrasting Hegelianism with Schopenhauer’s philosophy of representation and integrating social constructivism and Vorstellungsgeschichte , the paper proposes alternative approaches to analyzing Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. Through a re-evaluation of key texts like Ari Þorgilsson’s Íslendingabók , Hungrvaka , and Kristni saga , the study highlights the constructed nature of historical narratives and the role of subjective and cultural dimensions in shaping religious transformation. The paper ultimately advocates for a more nuanced, interdisciplinary understanding of Iceland’s Christianization, moving beyond traditional paradigms to explore the symbolic, imaginative, and social dynamics of this pivotal historical event.