Protestantillinen

Protestantillinen is a Finnish adjective meaning related to Protestantism or to Protestants. It is used to describe beliefs, churches, liturgy, theology or cultural expressions associated with Protestant Christianity. The corresponding noun protestantti refers to a Protestant person; protestantillinen describes attributes or things connected to Protestantism, as in protestantillinen kirkko (Protestant church) or protestantillinen teologia (Protestant theology). The word is formed with the attributive suffix -llinen from protestantti.

Protestantism is a branch of Christianity that emerged in the 16th century during the Reformation, challenging certain practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Major movements within Protestantism include Lutheranism, Reformed (Calvinist) traditions, Anglicanism and various evangelical denominations. The tradition is diverse, but common themes often include the emphasis on Scripture, justification by faith, and the priesthood of all believers, with formulations varying among traditions.

In Finland, protestantillinen usage is common due to the country’s historical Lutheran orientation. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland has been the predominant church since the Reformation era, alongside other Protestant communities, such as evangelical and free churches. The term is also used in sociological, educational, and cultural contexts to discuss Protestant identity or heritage, in contrast to Catholic or Orthodox references.

Notes: Protestantillinen should be distinguished from katholinen (Catholic) and ortodoksinen (Orthodox). It is typically used in Finnish religious, academic, and media discourse to denote Protestant affiliation or characteristics.