Abstract

The preface of Gabriel et al. (Religion und Wohlfahrtsstaatlichkeit in Europa. Mohr Siebeck, Tübingen, 2013) states that the normative ‘in depth grammar’ of the modern welfare state is significantly, but diffusely influenced by religiously procured values and initiatives. This chapter analyses relations between the social attitudes, Christianity and the welfare state in a Danish context. The social attitudes of Luther and contemporary Christianity are presented, and the moral and religious background underlying the Danish welfare state is discussed.