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436
IV. EDUCATION AND MENTAL CULTURE IN SWEDEN.
During the Orthodox Period (17th century) the Lutheran theology of
Germany was, on the whole, closely followed. From the beginning of the century
the following famous bishops J. Rudbeckius (1581/1646) and L. Paulinus
Gothus (1565/1646) may be named as representatives of the Swedish theology of
the period. — The lively scientific work of the 18th century had less to do
with theology, although several of the foremost ecclesiastics are amongst the
promoters of culture, e. g., the bishops E. Benzelius, the younger (1675/1743), and
A. Rydelius (1671/1738). The latter carried on a particularly keen polemical
activity against freethinkers and religious fanatics. This period produced the
Svedenborgianism, which arose in Sweden, and has its chief documents in E.
Svedenborg’s (1688/1772) Arcana Coelestia and numerous other writings; for
some details of which, see p. 271.
In the beginning of the past century, newly-aroused religious interest reacted
favourably on theology; more especially so the tendency, which came from the
prominent Swedish clergyman H. Schartau (1757/1825), exercised a great influence,
particularly in Southern Sweden. Most theologians followed closely the orthodox
lutheran schools in Germany. Clerical education was raised by famous teachers,
such as S. Ödmann (1750/1829) and ./. ff. Thomander (1798/1865). Among
writers the following must be mentioned: ff. M. Melin (1805/77) and O. F.
Myrberg (1824/99), who worked more exclusively on Biblical exegesis. In
opposition to the dominant orthodox views came V. Rydberg (1828/95) and F. Fehr
(1849/95), the latter representing the school of Ritschl. P. Wikner (1837/88)
was a religious philosopher in the Christian sense of the term.
Among theologians of the present day who have in a marked degree contributed
towards promoting the study of theology, the following may be particularly
mentioned: the Bishops G. Billing (born 1841), and M. Johansson (born 1837),
Archbishop J. A. Ekman (born 1845), Professors V. Rudin (born 1833), and P. Eklund
(born 1846). As exegetists mention must be made of Prof. E. Stave (born 1857)
and S. A. Fries, D. D. (born 1867). In the domain of the history of religion
Professor N. Söderblom (born 1866) has made himself known — P.
Waldenström (born 1838), the founder of a free religious sect called after him, has also
shown himself to be an industrious writer. — No unimportant part of the literary
output of Swedish theologians is to be found in theological magazines, the most
noticeable of which at the present time are »The Ecclesiastic Periodical» (Kyrklig
Tidskrift) and »The Bible Student» (Bibelforskaren).
Under theology Eoolesiastioal History is generally reckoned. Of
Universal Church History there are, on the whole, only compendiums and monographs.
Nevertheless, the »History of the Church of Christ» by C. A. Cornelius (1828/93)
is worthy of mention. But special researches into the history of the Swedish Church
have been undertaken, and the literature of monographs is particularly rich. Of
wider interest is the »History of Svedenborgianism in Sweden» by U. R. F. Sundelin
(1847/96). The chief works during the 19th century were written by ff.
Reuter-dahl (1795/1870; the Middle Ages) and by L. A. Anjou (1803/84) and T. Norlin
(1833/70), 16th and 17th centuries. At the present time this study is carried on
with more and more ardour under the direction of Professors ff. Lundström
(born 1858) at Uppsala, and O. Ahnfelt (born 1854) at Lund. An organ for
ecclesiastical history is »Annual of Church History» (Kvrkohistorisk Årsskrift).
Law.
In all the Swedish literature handed down to us from the Middle Ages the
Ancient Laws, most of which are peculiar to certain provinces, undoubtedly
occupy the most prominent place. These law-books have to a large extent, more
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