helluntailainen

Helluntailainen is the Finnish word for Pentecostal. It refers to adherents of Pentecostalism, a Protestant Christian movement that places special emphasis on a direct personal experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit. This experience is often described as evidenced by speaking in tongues (glossolalia), along with other spiritual gifts such as healing and prophecy.

Pentecostalism originated in the early 20th century and has since spread globally, with significant communities in many countries, including Finland. Finnish Pentecostalism, or Helluntailaisuus, has its own history and characteristics within the broader movement. The first significant Pentecostal awakening in Finland occurred in the early 1910s, and it quickly grew into a substantial religious force.

Finnish Pentecostals are part of the Evangelical Alliance and share core theological beliefs with other evangelical Christians, such as the inspiration of the Bible, the divinity of Jesus Christ, salvation through faith in Jesus, and the imminent return of Christ. They typically organize themselves into independent congregations rather than a single hierarchical church structure, although there are national associations and organizations that facilitate cooperation and support. Worship services are often lively and spontaneous, featuring contemporary music, testimonies, and preaching.