Overview

Limits and Life: Meaning and Metaphors in the Religious Language of Iceland not only contributes to the field of Nordic cultural history, it is a valuable resource for those who may find themselves confronting threats and preparing for catastrophes in the twenty-first century. How can we best cope with traumatic events in nature, society, and the home? Facing and interpreting limits has been the pivotal religious task of Icelanders throughout the centuries. Strategies for survival became a necessity and included interpretations that assisted in coping with these crises along with strategies of escape. The theology of Icelanders offers potential ways for coping with difficulties and suggests strategies for addressing the limit-issues threatening us and later generations.