Lutheranism and the Nordic Spirit of Social Democracy: A Different Protestant Ethic

by Robert H. Nelson

One man's way of thinking about God has decisively shaped the political and economic rise of Nordic social democracy. 500 years ago, Martin Luther's writings led to the Reformation in the Nordic countries, and his values and beliefs shaped more than just the church. Lutheranism is one of the most important influences on the Nordic welfare system and a general belief in social democracy. Indeed, Nordic social democracy itself can be seen as a modern form of religion, or "secular Lutheranism". In Lutheranism and the Nordic Spirit of Social Democracy, Robert Nelson, an American observer and professor of political economy at the University of Maryland, brings a fresh perspective to the interrelated questions of religion, national identity, and governance in the Nordic world. Exploring how Lutheranism never went away as the true path to a new heaven on earth, Nelson shows how the form of Lutheran Nordic religion and culture changed radically, while its substance remained surprisingly unaltered.

324 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2017

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting analysis of the connection between the Lutheran traditions of the Nordic countries and their welfare systems in general, and social democracy in particular. This is a set text for an advanced course in theology, but the book is very accessible and could certainly find a broad audience outside of the university departments.