This volume analyses the societal legacy of Lutheranism in Finland by drawing on a multidisciplinary perspective from the social sciences and humanities. Involving researchers from a wide range of such fields has made it possible to provide fresh and fascinating perspectives on the relationship between Lutheranism and Finnish society. Overall the book argues that Lutheranism and secular Finnish society are deeply intertwined. This volume addresses different societal areas which have been significantly influenced by Lutheranism, but also demonstrate how Lutheranism and its institutions have themselves adapted to society. As part of an ongoing religious turn in humanities and social sciences research in Finland and other countries, this book argues that it is necessary to take religion into greater account to more fully understand current societies and cultures, as well as their futures.
The collection is edited by Kaius Sinnemäki, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Helsinki, Anneli Portman, PhD, a specialist, city of Helsinki, Jouni Tilli, PhD, researcher, University of Jyväskylä and Robert H. Nelson (1944–2018), PhD, Professor of Environmental Policy, University of Maryland.

This volume analyses the societal legacy of Lutheranism in Finland in broad terms. To achieve this goal, we have taken a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on various perspectives from the social sciences and humanities. The societal legacy of Lutheranism may be obvious for many experienced theologians or scholars of religion in general, but it is much less so for researchers from other disciplines within the humanities and social sciences. Involving researchers from a wide range of such fields has made it possible to provide fresh and fascinating perspectives on Lutheranism and its significant impact on Finland, which continues to the present day.
As part of an ongoing religious turn in humanities and social sciences research in Finland and other countries, this volume argues that it is necessary to take religion into greater account to more fully understand current societies and cultures, as well as their future. Commemorative milestones—such as the Reformation 500 and Finland 100 jubilees in 2017—may come and go, but critical research will have more lasting and long-term effects. Since there is not much research available in languages other than Finnish concerning the impact of Lutheranism on contemporary Finnish society, this volume is among the first to make such research available in English. For Finns themselves, it will introduce new perspectives on Finnish Lutheranism and its societal legacy. Our hope is that this volume will serve to encourage further scholarship in this intriguing area.