Why Religion Matters (Or Doesn’t)

Abstract

This article analyzes how religion and life stance (livssyn) are legitimized and delegitimized in Norwegian political party manifestos (2021–2025). In a context of growing secularization, pluralism, and public funding of religious and life stance communities, the legitimacy of state support for religion has become increasingly contested. Drawing on a document analysis of the nine parties represented in parliament, the study identifies six legitimizing motifs—religion as a human right, essential to individuals, beneficial for society, contributive to the welfare state, cultural heritage, and an agent of change—and four delegitimizing motifs—religion as illiberal, divisive, foreign, and discriminatory against minorities. Using Theo van Leeuwen’s framework of legitimation, the article shows that moral evaluation and instrumental rationalization are the most frequent strategies employed, with additional reliance on naturalization, theoretical rationalization, and authorization. The findings demonstrate that “good” religion is typically framed as liberal, private, cultural, or welfare-oriented, often associated with Christianity and humanism, while “bad” religion is constructed as foreign, illiberal, or socially divisive, frequently linked to Islam or religious privilege. These patterns cut across the left–right spectrum, reflecting broader negotiations over national identity, values, and social cohesion. The article contributes to understanding the shifting grounds of religious legitimacy in contemporary Norwegian politics.