The reformation
It was king Christian III of Denmark who decided that the church in Denmark-Norway should follow the Lutheran faith. For people, the change occurred gradually.
Preaching and singing became important in the church. The services were aimed at inspiring people to take their lives seriously and experience the grace of God. Saints and relics were removed.
At the end of the 17th century, the church was decorated with the magnificent pulpit and the elaborate family portraits.
Some events were dark. People feared sorcery, and king Christian IV of Denmark initiated a campaign against witchcraft in 1617. As a result of this, ten women and two men were executed in Stavanger.
After the reformation, people were more concerned with defining the contents of faith. Their experience of faith and practices of faith changed from participation in rituals to more inner experiences.