Does a persons affiliation with a religion mean that the person is truly engaged in that religion?

No. Especially not to say. 2 Timothy 3:5 states about the last days if Satan's wicked system, several signs if attitudes of people. Among them in her see e 5,"having A FORM of godly devotion, but proving false to its power and from these turn away."

Hebrews 10:24-26 points out the warn uhh B-) of NOT just gathering together only "as some have the custom". The verses point out more is required.

They can plop their collective butts in pews all they want. That means nothing. Building one another up, growing in proper faith according to God's Word the Bible, is what matters.

Yes, the Norwegian Church has a many members and yet, few church-goers. I have read, as few as 14 percent. But, as you write, nearly everybody get baptized, confirmed, married and funerals in the church.

As a Catholic Belgian who came to live in Norway 38 years ago, I have often reflected about religion in this country.

To answer your question, and the nature of the Norwegian soul, I feel that the church is doing what it should do: to be there and organize celebrations. I am atheist but I must say that I don't mind the Norwegian Lutheran Church. But then, I have a great admiration for the Norwegians, their country, their culture and tolerance. In 1974, there was an oil crisis and cars were not allowed to drive on Sundays. But the Norwegians like to go skiing in the hills surrounding Oslo. There are streetcars driving the skiers up the hills from the center of the town. There is a famous photo taken of the King Olav of Norway, paying his streetcar fare as he, incognito, goes skiing. For me, it represents the Norwegian soul of non-conformism and practical sense. And so it is for religious matters. For example, we have same-sex church marriages but only if the priest wants it. If not, simply find another priest. ;-)

I too observed many go through a "lukewarm stage", sometimes lasting better part of their life. I wouldn't dismiss such people as not being "true Christians" but evidently they aren't growing in their faith, other pursuits draw their interest, at least for now. Religion tends to gain popularity in times of crisis, nothing an economic collapse or military action wouldn't take care of striking fear and uncertainty into lukewarm types, but then, it also goes to show we are a childish race - doing our own thing when things are going fine, running to daddy and mommy when the big bad dog barks at us.

And no, affiliation (of any type) and participation are not necessarily linked.

Of course not. In truth, you think God considers people to be his servants by simply "associating" with a church.

Jesus aptly said this at Matthew 7:21 -

Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.

Some people feel that by belonging to a church, but not actually practicing anything, qualifies them to be "saved". NO! Matthew 7:21 says in crystal clear language you got to have action with your faith!

scandinavians have my respect for their loyalty to their nations and to some extend group//race. everything else, such as religions were endured if they strengthened their loyalty. in the past religions was paramount to their survival as a people, however its not the case anymore in this modern time. losing the importance of religions in their life doesnt mean theyre less of a people, it just means theyve found sth else.

As written in Bible, not necessarily...

"having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away" (2 Timothy 3:5. Bible).

An "an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power" is a religious definition of Hypocrisy...

No. Not really. Take Christianity for instances. There are many who claim to be Christian but follow few if any of their church's tenets. Because church and social life is often intermingled, many are part of a church only because of the social benefits it brings.

Hate is mirrored young cherubim, doth thou not me?

For hell is already upon thee, as I hath now risen.

Rapture tis styrung, and for your mendacious masquerade thou shalt continue to obeyeth thee - Ye I say, obeyeth thee, and be bewildered to seeketh througheth thy maze of onenth thousand thornethes for onenth thousand years - For your denigrating mimicries are rapacious, your relentless blasphemes an unconscious cacophony of ubiquitous disquietudes that resonate on the ether as the dawn of lies.

Ye I am the dusk.

People may identify themselves with particular religious groups for various reasons.

True religious experience is deeply personal.

no, not necessarily, it is the same as those who say they are Christians, but do not follow the teachings of Christ.