Eiabelilainen

Eiabelilainen refers to a Finnish term that describes a person who is not a member of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church, the state church of Finland. The term is derived from the Finnish words "ei" (meaning "not") and "abelilainen," which is a colloquial abbreviation of "abeli," short for "abeli" (a term historically used for members of the Lutheran Church). In modern usage, "eiabelilainen" is often contrasted with "abelilainen" to indicate religious affiliation or lack thereof.

The concept of being an "eiabelilainen" is particularly relevant in Finland, where the Evangelical Lutheran Church has historically held significant influence in society. Until 2017, membership in the state church was automatic for all Finnish citizens, though individuals could opt out. Since the reform of the church-state relationship, membership has been voluntary, but the term "eiabelilainen" still reflects the cultural and historical distinction between those who identify with the Lutheran Church and those who do not.

An "eiabelilainen" may belong to another Christian denomination, such as the Finnish Orthodox Church, a non-Christian religion, or no religion at all. The term is not inherently critical but simply denotes a lack of affiliation with the Lutheran Church. In everyday Finnish discourse, it is often used casually to describe someone’s religious background, much like how one might specify their religious identity in other contexts.

The distinction between "abelilainen" and "eiabelilainen" also appears in administrative and statistical contexts, such as census data, where religious affiliation is recorded. While the term is primarily used in Finland, its meaning is specific to the country’s unique religious and historical landscape.