On the legacy of lutheranism in Finland : societal perspectives

This volume analyses the societal legacy of Lutheranism in Finland in broad terms. It contributes to the recent renewed interest in the history of religion in Finland and the Nordic countries by bringing together researchers in history, political science, economics, social psychology, education, linguistics, media studies, and theology to examine the mutual relationship between Lutheranism and society in Finland. The two main foci are (i) the historical effects of the Reformation and its aftermath on societal structures and on national identity, values, linguistic culture, education, and the economy, and (ii) the adaptation of the church - and its theology - to changes in the geo-political and sociocultural context. Important sub-themes include nationalism and religion, the secularization and institutionalization of traditional values, multiple Protestant ethics, and long continuities in history. Overall the book argues that large changes in societies cannot be explained via 'secular' factors alone, such as economic development or urbanization, but that factors pertaining to religion provide substantial explanatory power for understanding societal change and the resulting societal structures. Preface Kaius Sinnemäki, Robert H. Nelson, Anneli Portman, Jouni Tilli: The Legacy of Lutheranism in a Secular Nordic Society: An Introduction I Building Lutheranismand National Identity Kaius Sinemäki, Janne Saarikivi: Sacred Language: Reformation, Nationalism, and Linguistic Culture Patrik Hagman: What Is This Thing Called Lutheranism Anyway? A Critical Perspective on the Construction of Lutheran Christianity in Sweden and Finland Klaus Helkama, Anneli Portman: Protestant Roots of Honesty and Other Finnish Values II Education and Culture Kirsi Salonen: Reformation and the Medieval Roots of the Finnish Education Hannele Niemi, Kaius Sinnemäki: The Role of Lutheran Values in the Success of the Finnish Educational System Tuija Laine: From Learning the Catechism by Heart towards Independent Reading Eerika Finell, Anneli Portman, Mia Silfver-Kuhalampi: Christianity as a Criterion of Nationin Finland among Upper Secondary School Students in 2002, 2008, and 2014 III Lutheranism and Social Practice Jyrki Knuutila: Lutheran Culture as an Ideological Revolution in Finland from the 16th Century up to the Beginning of the 21st Century:A Perspective from Ecclesiastical Legislation Robert H. Nelson: Lutheranism and the Equality of Women in the Nordic Countries Esa Mangeloja: Religious Revival Movements and the Development of the Twentieth-century Welfare-state in Finland Henrietta Grönlund: Between Lutheran Legacy and Economyas Religion: The Contested Roles of Philanthropy in Finland Today IV Church in Adaptation Niko Huttunen: Esivalta: The Religious Roots of the Finnish Moral View of Society Jouni Tilli: A Storm Might Be Brewing:’ The Lutheran Church and Secular Authority in Finland, 1944–1948 Pasi Ihalainen: Towards a Religion of Popular Sovereignty ,Democracy and Equality: The Lutheran Sermon as a Nexus of Traditional and Modern Discourses on Political Values and a Collective Identity Katja Valaskivi: Branding as a Response to the ‘Existential Crisis’ of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland List of Contributors Abstract Subject and Place Index Index of Names