Andreassen & Lewis/Textbook Gods, 8. Cartographic Representations of Religion(s)

The point of departure for this study is the general tendency in Norwegian textbooks to describe religions as abstract objects, with no relations to time or space. Analysing cartographic representations in Norwegian textbooks for upper-secondary schools in the period from the 1930s to the present, the author describes how the use of maps has developed. A basic premise in her analysis is that the moment one visualizes religion(s) cartographically, spatialization occurs, albeit still as abstract object(s). Depending on the map’s view and on where the different religions (or adherents) are placed on the map, the different religions are made local, regional or world religions, and more or less affixed to specific areas.