Nordic Variations of Protestant Governance

This book explores the Lutheran influence on Early Modern European societies, with a focus on the Nordic countries. It reconsiders dominant theories on the societal influence of Protestantism by introducing findings on connections between theology and societal change within the Lutheran sphere. The Nordic countries are unique due to an uninterrupted interaction between Lutheranism and – politically as well as socially – relatively stable societies. This makes the region an outstanding international case study of how Lutheranism influenced society, which enables the comparison with studies on a reformed or Catholic social influence and tradition. The Reformation established a culture of interconnected and far-reaching governance in the Nordic countries, through which society is regulated and shaped through legislation and everyday practices. By examining three levels – the parish, the household and the state – the book broadens the picture of governance in the northern part of Lutheran Europe. These chapters also offer new and valuable context for future research in understanding emigrant communities formed by Lutheran groups in North America. This book is aimed at Early Modern researchers and students with an interest in the Reformation, religion and household-, parish-, and state-building through policing. It will also be of interest to theologians and social scientists.