Symposium explores Reformation impact

Experts to discuss cultural shifts in Scandinavia, US

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The Rev. Kirsi Stjerna, a professor of Lutheran history and theology at Cal Lutheran’s Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, and an adjunct professor at University of Helsinki, will describe how Finnish reformer Mikael Agricola implemented the Reformation with a creative use of the new catechism, ABC books and other materials.

Photo: Brian Stethem

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Jan. 20, 2017) A two-year focus on the Protestant Reformation in celebration of its 500th anniversary will continue when the Nordic Spirit Symposium returns to California Lutheran University in February.

The 18th annual symposium, “All Power Is of God: Reform in Sweden and Finland,” will be held Feb. 10 and 11 on the Thousand Oaks campus. The public is invited to join in the spirit of a symposium, which blends music, dining and the free exchange of ideas to enhance the pleasure of learning.

This year, experts will focus on the Reformation’s impact on history and culture in Sweden, Finland and the United States.

Melody Steed, assistant academic dean and organist at Bethany College in Kansas, will describe how Martin Luther encouraged congregations to sing together, with the pipe organ becoming a dominant force in church services. Singer and conductor James Koenig of Los Angeles will sing songs and hymns of the Nordic countries.

Martin Berntson, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden will look at the Reformation process in Sweden – smooth and conservative in some views, but also a radical breach with liturgical traditions and popular piety.

The Rev. Pernilla Parenmalm, pastor of the Swedish Church of Torshälla, Sweden, will discuss the legacy of the Reformation in the Church of Sweden as it faces new challenges and opportunities following its separation from the state in 2000.

Three prominent California Finns are among the presenters. The Rev. Kirsi Stjerna, a professor of Lutheran history and theology at Cal Lutheran’s Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, and an adjunct professor at University of Helsinki, will describe how Finnish reformer Mikael Agricola implemented the Reformation with a creative use of the new catechism, ABC books and other materials. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, a professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, and the Rev. Jarmo Tarkki, Finnish minister of California and Texas Finns in Solvang, will discuss how the Finnish immigrants’ strong respect for education and a work ethic continues today in Finnish-American churches and culture.

Cal Lutheran, the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation, and the Southwest California Synod are sponsoring the symposium. The Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation and the Norway House Foundation in San Francisco provided grants.

For schedules, admission fees and registration, visit scandinaviancenter.org or contact Howard Rockstad at 805-497-3717 or hrockstad@gmail.com.

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