Social Concern in Protestant Spirit : On the Role and Significance of the Reformation in the Formation of Nordic Welfare State System

Abstract

Abstract: This paper is to examine the changes of Nordic welfare states system and to study the role and significance of basic doctrines, ethics and concepts in the Reformation in the formation of Nordic welfare state system, based on the Protestantism after the Reformation. Moreover, the Protestant social concern theory and practice formed in the Reformation have played an important role in promoting the development of the Nordic welfare state system, which is also the focus of this study. Through analyzing, this paper aims to make the realistic development of Protestant spirit have a new perspective, and to have a deeper understanding of significance of the socio-political philosophy of the Reformation. Key Words： Reformation, Protestant Spirit, Social Concern, Nordic Welfare State System Author: Yu Tao, Associate Professor, College of Philosophy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350，China , Tel：86-137-5234-8362; Email：towave@126.com