Christianization of Scandinavia - Motives For Conversion

Motives For Conversion

One of the more interesting aspects of the Scandinavian conversions to Christianity was not necessarily the conversions themselves, but why they chose to accept in the first place. While there are undoubtedly those who chose to accept the new religion as truth, it is possible that this wasn’t always the case. For instance, some may have simply wanted to take the rich gifts, such as a fine, white baptismal garment, that were being handed out by Frankish nobles, who acted as the baptismal candidates’ sponsors, when they were baptized. In the case of King Harold Bluetooth of Denmark, for example, he only partially converted to the new faith (at least at first) to preserve his independence from the Germans, who posed an even greater threat at the time than the Franks had been prior to this. He also saw that Christianity had much to offer to his rule. It not only helped to exalt his status, but it also provided practical help. The Missionary bishops were literate, and those who had experience of the royal government in Germany or England had the potential to be valuable advisors. There was also an economic motive for convergence as unconverted pagan kings were fascinated with Christian wealth. As a result, some chose to accept the new faith as a way to gain access to this wealth.