ABSTRACT
This chapter’s primary focus is upon what has been happening to belief in God on the ground – in Norway since the 1950s, especially in the southern Bible-belt region of the country. It tells a more detailed story of a move away from a judging God who can send people to hell towards a God who comes closer to people. An interesting and somewhat marginalized role of Jesus is also discovered. Changes in life-style regulations have been more fundamental than dogmatic changes, but there are signs of dogmatic liberalization as well. Hell has almost disappeared from preaching, and God has become kinder, and sometimes less almighty. In other instances, God retains his power – as a “cosy majesty.”
