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Theological proposals to the welfare state theory: The contribution of the Evangelical Church in Germany


Piotr Kopiec

Abstract

Establishing the aims and objectives of a welfare state is an integral part of the political, economic and cultural debate, in particular, the repercussions of  a welfare state on economic systems and social institutions; the sociopsychological consequences of a welfare state; and the scope, conditions and  definitions of welfare. Some discussions address a theological and religious approach to the issue, specifically the Churches’ teaching on welfare and the Churches’ influence on the birth and development of the welfare state. The Evangelical Church in Germany (Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland [EKD])  has also joined the global discussion. The EKD advocates the welfare institutions; moreover, it stresses the contribution of the Protestant theology and  culture to the emergence of the social state in Germany. This article aims to outline the Protestant approach to welfare axiology. Following a brief sketch  of the welfare theory, it examines the previous and current Protestant influences on the welfare state and system. It also presents significant attempts to distinguish crucial values and the most serious challenges of the welfare state. The primary sources of the reflection are the recently published  documents of the EKD (Denkschrifts), and the source literature.


Contribution: The theological proposals of the Evangelical Church in Germany contribute  to the axiological and ethical debate on welfare and the social state. The research addresses the focus and scope of the journal of the  promotion of multidisciplinary aspects of studies in the general theological area.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 2072-8050
print ISSN: 0259-9422