Seeds of Christian Conversion in “Vikings”

I have to say I am a huge fan of this series and “The Last Kingdom.” I have a slight preference for the ladder series. I have watched both series more than ten times in their entirety. Most label them as anti-Christian, but I disagree. Both series offer plenty of moments and underlying themes that bring Christianity to life and teach the faith.

I plan on writing more on both series, plus, dare I say, South Park, and how these shows provide a plethora of opportunities for Christians to teach the faith.

In the “Vikings” series premiere, “Rites of Passage” provides multiple examples showing the process of full conversion to Christianity. These examples show an underlying curiosity and openness that highlights how conversion to Christianity can begin, especially in the pagan cultures of Late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages. The seeds eventually turn into introductions, and thus the process begins.

1. Curiosity about the West

Ragnar’s Ambition:
Ragnar expresses his desire to explore lands to the west:

“He’ll send us to the east, as always, to the Baltic lands, but I want to know what’s to the west. What cities and gods are over there. See, I’m not satisfied with this. Odin gave his eye to acquire knowledge, but I would give far more.”

Ragnar’s ambition and quest for knowledge show his interest in new lands and deities, including the Christian God. His willingness to explore the unknown is a crucial first step toward conversion, as it shows readiness to embrace new beliefs.

2. Rituals and Symbolism

The Arm Ring Ceremony:
The series highlights the importance of rituals in Norse culture:

“Bjorn, son of Ragnar, may you accept this gift of salt and earth to remind yourself that you belong to both the land and the sea. These arm rings bind you in loyalty to me, your lord, your chieftain. Any oath that you swear on these rings must be honored and kept. Do you understand and swear to this? Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. And do you freely give your fealty to me, your lord, your chieftain? Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord.”

The emphasis on ceremonial acts and oaths indicates a deep respect for rituals, which parallels the sacraments and practices in Christianity. This respect could ease the transition to adopting Christian rituals.

3. Strategic Discussions

Alternative to Raiding East:
A conversation about seeking opportunities in the West introduces a pivotal idea:

“But there is an alternative, if you choose. Yes, yes. Choice, yes. I have heard of these rumors, these stories. That if we travel west, that we will somehow reach a land that is rich and plentiful.”

The suggestion of traveling westward instead of raiding in the East foreshadows inevitable encounters with Christian lands and peoples. The anticipation of wealth and new opportunities sets the stage for significant cultural and religious interactions.

4. Encounters with Different Beliefs

Sunstone and Navigation:
Innovation in navigation is depicted through the use of a sunstone:

“They call it a sunstone. You see? There is the sun. Now we go west. Come on. Come on.”

The Norse openness to new technologies and methods for exploration symbolizes a broader receptiveness to new ideas, including religious beliefs. This technological curiosity can easily extend to spiritual realms, making them more receptive to Christianity.

5. Expressions of Faith and Prophecy

Consulting the Seer:
Prophecy and divine guidance play a critical role in Norse spirituality:

“I want to know what the gods have in store. For you, or for the boy? I’m more interested in myself. The gods desire you to have a great future. I see that. But they can withdraw their goodwill at any time. To have this great future, must I challenge the law?”

The reliance on seers for guidance highlights the Norse quest for spiritual understanding and destiny. This spiritual openness, combined with a belief in divine will, aligns well with Christian narratives of prophecy and divine revelation, making the Norse more susceptible to Christian influence.

Catholic Social Teachings

Curiosity and Exploration:
Catholic Social Teaching encourages a respectful curiosity and pursuit of knowledge, which can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures and religions. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Man’s faculties make him capable of coming to a knowledge of the existence of a personal God” (CCC 35).

Respect for Rituals:
The respect for rituals and sacraments in Christianity can be linked to the Norse respect for their own ceremonies. Sacraments are considered “efficacious signs of grace” (CCC 1131), which may resonate with the Norse’s view of their rituals as binding and significant.

Encounters and Dialogue:
Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes the importance of dialogue and encounter with different cultures and beliefs. The Church teaches that “interreligious dialogue is a part of the Church’s evangelizing mission” (Redemptoris Missio, 55).

Receptiveness to New Ideas:
The Norse’s openness to new technologies and methods, including spiritual beliefs, aligns with the Church’s view on the development of understanding. As Pope John Paul II stated, “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth” (Fides et Ratio, Introduction).

Prophecy and Guidance:
The Christian belief in divine guidance and prophecy parallels the Norse reliance on seers. The Catechism notes that “God reveals Himself to man gradually” (CCC 53), which can be seen in how the Norse gradually open up to the idea of a new faith.

Conclusion

These narrative elements within the “Vikings” episode reflect the characters’ curiosity, respect for rituals, and spiritual quest for guidance. These traits provide fertile ground for eventual conversion to Christianity when the Norse encounter it through their westward explorations. This blend of curiosity and spiritual openness hints at a profound transformation that awaits these characters, mirroring historical shifts in the Viking age.

References

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1994). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Fides et Ratio. (1998). Encyclical Letter of Pope John Paul II.

John Paul II. (1990). Redemptoris Missio. Encyclical Letter on the Permanent Validity of the Church’s Missionary Mandate.

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. (2004). Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.