God’s Caring Vice-Regent: The Lutheran Transformation of the Senecan Ideal of the Benevolent Monarch as the Basis of Absolutism and Social Responsibility

This article centres on the role of Lutheran confession in societal development Nordic countries, especially Denmark. Using concept social imaginaries, it argues that Reformation refined a monarchical ideology already existent ancient Roman stoicism both moved society toward absolutism and emphasized government’s responsibility for welfare. thesis is documented by examples royal from material Danish national archives. The use Denmark as case exemplifies how can play formative and, at same time, offers new correct interpretation Luther’s two kingdoms doctrine an ontology world view.