Unreformoidut

Unreformoidut is a Finnish term that translates to "unreformed" or "unmodified." It is primarily used in a religious context to refer to individuals or groups who have not joined or been influenced by the Protestant Reformation, particularly the Lutheran movement that became dominant in Finland. In essence, it denotes those who remained within the Catholic Church or adhered to pre-Reformation religious traditions.

The term highlights a historical division within Christianity, especially in Northern Europe. While the Reformation swept through many areas, some regions or communities retained their traditional Catholic practices and allegiances. Therefore, "unreformoidut" in this historical sense refers to those who did not adopt the theological doctrines and practices of the reformers, such as Martin Luther.

Beyond its strict historical religious meaning, "unreformoidut" can occasionally be used more broadly, though less commonly, to describe anything or anyone that has not undergone significant change or modernization. This extended usage might imply a state of being traditional, old-fashioned, or resistant to new ideas or reform, but its primary and most recognized application remains within the historical and theological discussions surrounding the Reformation in Finland.