Synopsis: From a historical perspective, similarities among the Lutheran churches in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are easily understood. But these previously homogeneous northern societies, built on a Lutheran tradition with close ties between church and state, are now considered to be among the most secular in the world, as well as being impacted by a growing presence of other religions. These changes present a major challenge to the churches concerning how to relate to the state and how to be a "folk church." The goal of this volume is to explore how Lutheran identity presently...

Religion has played a major role in history, affecting the course of events and influencing individuals. Today one frequently hears the expression ""the return of religion"" but opinions differ as to how this ""return"" is to be understood. It is clear that modernity and postmodernity have not meant that religion is dead or relegated to societys backyards. Religion is still of vital importance for many people. It has, to some extent, changed shape but has not lost its legitimacy and attractiveness to broad groups. Religion is public, visible, and has a sought-for voice; but it is also...