A recent poll reveals that the importance of God in the lives of Danes has reached a historically low level, continuing a trend of declining religious engagement in the country. The survey, conducted by Verian for Berlingske, asked Danes to rate the importance of God in their lives on a scale of 1 to 10.

The average response was 3.7, a significant drop from 4.2 in 2010, 4.5 in 2006, and 4.6 in 1999.

Niels Henrik Gregersen, a professor of contemporary theology at the University of Copenhagen, suggests that the decline may be attributed to the fast-paced nature of modern life, where daily practical tasks and digital engagement take precedence over existential and religious reflection.

The findings are supported by a larger study from 2023, conducted by researchers from SDU, which found that 80 percent of Danes surveyed considered God “not important / missing” in their lives.

Henrik Gade Jensen, a parish priest, believes that the figures reflect the diverse ways in which people engage with faith.

Peter Birch, Bishop of Helsingør Diocese, echoes this sentiment, noting that Danes often express their faith through their connection to the church and its values, rather than through explicit declarations of belief. He emphasizes that faith is not solely expressed through words, but also through actions and engagement with the church community.

Despite the declining numbers, some remain optimistic. Jensen notes that while membership in the Church of Denmark has decreased, the current number of members is “not alarming yet.”