ABSTRACT
This chapter offers some examples of this trend based on empirical research in Norway, although authors believe that this is a general shift in Western religion, perhaps even globally. It also analyses possible tensions arising between sensual, artistic, symbolic and emotional expressions and moral, dogmatic and functional boundaries prevalent in the religious milieus. The chapter suggests that aestheticization is a general process, changing many forms of religion, both inside and outside religious institutions. Religion has generally grown softer and is presented in more varied and less propositional terms, the traditional Protestant cognitive and dogmatic approach to religion is still present in Norway and other European countries. The study of Christmas concerts in churches is based on a combination of social semiotics and sociology of religion. Finally, if religion is changing its modes of expression, researchers may need to change their methodological approaches to religion.
