Swedish in Austria

Introduction / History

The Swedish people – known as Swedes (Svensk) – are believed to be descended from the Indo-European Battle Axe culture in the coastal areas of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In the 1000s they were among the Viking raiders/pirates who terrorized the British Isles and mainland Europe. Some migrated further east where they were instrumental in establishing Russia as a nation state.

In the 17th century, Sweden became a powerful force in Europe. There was rapid population growth during the 18th and 19th centuries, and around the turn of the 20th century, more than one million migrated to the United States. At present, those who immigrate tend to choose Nordic nations surrounding Sweden, particularly Finland. Swedes now live in 20 countries including Austria.

They have their own language, Swedish, which is similar to nearby languages. Swedish has different dialects. The southern Swedish dialect is related to Danish and can be hard even for other Swedes to understand.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Swedish adults in Austria are employed in industrial occupations and office work in the public sector. The majority of Swedes, nearly one-quarter, are employed in the service industry.

Swedish women play a lead role in government, professions, and technical trades. Marriage choices are left to individuals, and the family is largely nuclear rather than extended. Swedes value calmness and clear thinking. On a social level, they are noted for being reserved, which makes evangelism challenging. Typically, Swedes have a small circle of close friends. Depression is a problem for many.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Historically, Swedes practiced Norse paganism. They were exposed to Christianity in the 1000s, but stayed with their traditional gods for 200 years, believing them to be more powerful than a God who would allow his son to be crucified. After the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church was abolished, and Protestantism was widespread. The main religion is Lutheran, and most Swedish children are baptized as infants. In recent decades, secularism has surged, and today, many Swedes consider themselves either nonreligious or atheists.

What Are Their Needs?

Swedes need a fresh and powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit. Like most people groups today, they are focused on their families, their careers, and on temporal happiness. They need to recognize and receive God’s gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the blinded minds and deaf ears of the lost among the Swedes to be open to the good news.
Pray for them to realize their need for a savior and accept God’s offer of forgiveness and salvation.
Pray they will move beyond a mindset of self-sufficiency that is trusting in self instead of God.
Pray for a reawakening and a revival in this once largely Christian people group.
Pray that soon Swedish disciples in Austria will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project