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The Nordic states are known for their high levels of socio-economic equality, good governance, and high levels of social trust. While some scholars have attributed this to their unique brand of secular social democracy, Prof. Robert Nelson (U of Maryland) argues that Nordic social democracy has deep roots in the “Lutheran ethic.” We discuss how the Lutheran ethic is different than the Calvinist ethic (as seen by Max Weber), how contemporary social democratic thought in Nordic countries has similar elements to Lutheranism, and what is in store for social democracy.

Check out our other podcasts related to the Protestant Reformation this year!

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Would you ever consider taking a vacation in an actual, working Catholic monastery? Prof. Margarita Mooney did … and not just once! Prof. Mooney shares her experience of living among the Servants of the Lord convents in Washington DC and Italy, as well as a visit to the Belmont Abbey in North Carolina. We talk about the monastic life in the Catholic Church from a sociological point of view at first, discussing various trends in who joins religious orders. Then Margarita shares her own experiences in living for short periods of time among nuns and monks, revealing what daily life is like for many of these folks and what it is like to be an “outsider” living amongst them. She notes how enlightening such trips can be, how welcoming many of these religious orders are, and how you could schedule your own such visit. Click on “read more” for relevant links.

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