Introduction: Reformation theology often defined itself in sharp and outspoken opposition to medieval theology, especially to the traditions of scholastic theology. In Protestant theology, the Reformation has also on a more general basis frequently been defined in opposition to medieval tradition, both with regard to organization, ritual practice and piety. However, this way of interpretation in terms of sharp oppositions has been challenged and strongly modified during the last decades.
The Nordic countries emerged as a Lutheran stronghold in the North, and there are many similarities between the reformation histories of the different Nordic countries. But at the same time, strong national traditions of medieval sanctity – primarily related to holy kings and holy places – contributed to interesting internal Nordic differences. The seminar will take a closer look at different ways of re-using these kinds of medieval sanctity in a Nordic Lutheran context, and in this way contribute to the discussion of internal religious differences between the Nordic reformations as well as to the discussion of “the Nordic case” in relation to German Lutheranism.
14.00 –14.30: Thomas Kaufmann, Universität Göttingen: Introduction, A German Perspective. Introduction (ca. 20 min.) & discussion
14.30 – 15.00: Tarald Rasmussen, Universitetet i Oslo: Nordic Region – Nordic varieties
15.00 – 15.30: Martin Wangsgaard Jürgensen, Nationalmuseet, København: The Saints, The Church and Us. Unfolding a mural decoration from the eve of the Reformation
15.30 –16.00: Coffee break
16.00 – 16.30: Arne Bugge Amundsen, Universitetet i Oslo: Reformation of the cultural landscape of Norway - some perspectives
16.30 –17.00: Øystein Ekroll, Nidaros Domkirkes Restaureringsarbeider/NTNU: «At a Safe Distance? The Absolute Monarchy and the Re-Discovery of St Olav and Nidaros Cathedral in the Late 17th Century»
17.00 – 17.15: Break
17.15 – 17.45: Martin Berntson, Göteborgs Universitet: The Reformation in Sweden as Negotiation
17.45 – 18.15: Otfried Czaika, Det teologiske menighetsfakultet: Das Bild vom Mittelalter und die schwedische Reformationsforschung des 20. Jahrhunderts
18.15 – 19.00: Concluding comparative discussion