I have been thinking a bit about a few links that some of you have sent to me over the past few days. About how the Faroe Islands seemingly has more in common with Alabama then Denmark.
There is not a week that goes by without some sort of news on the religious front in the Faroes that makes me think of the Deep South in the United States.ÂÂ
Why is it that the Faroes is the only country in Northern Europe where gay-rights isn't considered automatic – an extension of everybody being equal under the law?
How come it’s considered cool to be a Jesus freak by many of the younger generations?ÂÂ
Why are the only commercial broadcasters that are economically feasible the ones that proclaim the religious line?ÂÂ
Why is it that Biblical psychos get to set the agenda?
Why is it that religion and the state HAVE to be mixed together?
And these issues are not only sociological. Science is also under attack. The Faroes have been influenced by the enlightenment, contrary to what one might think from the recent turn of events. Fróskabur lives on these rocks, or at least has lived. The Societatis Scientiarum Færoensis (Føroya Fróðskaparfelag) has been active for over 50 years, publishing scientific material relating to the Faroe Islands, and before them certain individuals had carried the torch of enlightenment. They have dealt with issues such as how nature has shaped the Islands over millions of years, and how endemic species have evolved and adapted to the specific conditions that are present.
Now I fear that I one day read in the news that these findings, along with the teachings on evolution will be banned and replaced with "Intelligent Design" proclaiming that it’s all God’s will, and anyone who says otherwise is not a true Faroese person.
