luterilainen

Luterilainen is a Finnish term that can refer to a person who adheres to Lutheranism or to things related to Lutheranism. As a noun, luterilainen means a member of the Lutheran Church; as an adjective, it describes Lutheran theology, liturgy or institutions. The related noun for the belief system is luterilaisuus, and luterilainen kirkko refers to the Lutheran church, most commonly the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (Suomen evankelis-luterilainen kirkko).

Historically, Lutheranism arrived in Finland during the Reformation in the 16th century, when Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. It became the predominant form of Christianity and, for much of the modern era, the church functioned as the state church. In contemporary Finland, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is the country’s largest religious community, with membership counting roughly two-thirds of Finns, though actual regular worship attendance is lower.

Doctrine and practice in luterilainen tradition emphasize justification by faith, the authority of Scripture, and the Lutheran confessions. The church recognizes two sacraments, baptism and Holy Communion, and follows a liturgical form of worship. Governance is episcopal, with bishops and an archbishop leading the church structure.

Today, luterilainen life in Finland includes church services, education, social service work and ecumenical dialogue. The Church of Finland participates in national and international ecumenical cooperation, maintaining relations with other Protestant churches and wider Christian communities. The Finnish luterilainen tradition has shaped aspects of culture, ethics and public life in Finland while continuing to adapt to contemporary society.