Baptisteihin

Baptisteihin is the Finnish illative plural form of the noun baptisti, referring to Baptists. In Finnish, it is used when speaking about people who belong to Baptist churches or when describing movement toward or joining such communities. For example, Hän liittyi baptisteihin.

Baptists are a Christian denomination distinguished by believer's baptism by immersion, typically administered to professing believers rather than infants, and by the principle of congregational governance. They hold that Scripture is the ultimate authority and that local churches are autonomous. Common Baptist practices include two ordinances—baptism and the Lord's Supper—and a focus on evangelism, religious liberty, and church autonomy. The movement is international and diverse, with many national Baptist bodies forming part of global networks such as the Baptist World Alliance.

Historically, Baptists emerged in the early 17th century among English Separatists and reformers. Key figures such as John Smyth and Thomas Helwys promoted believer's baptism and church liberty, distinguishing Baptists from other Protestants and, in some contexts, from Anabaptists. Over time, the movement spread worldwide, especially in North America, Africa, and Asia, producing a wide range of congregational, theological, and cultural expressions united by core practices.

In Finnish usage, baptisti and baptisteihin reflect the same root as the English term Baptist. The illative form baptisteihin marks movement toward or direction to Baptists. In Finland, Baptists constitute a minority within a broader religious landscape that includes Lutheran and Orthodox traditions, and they maintain a variety of local congregations.