luterilaista

Luterilaista is Finnish an adjective form meaning Lutheran or Lutheran-related. It is used to describe doctrine, churches, practices, or culture connected with Lutheranism. In Finnish grammar luterilaista is the partitive singular form; other inflections include luterilaisen (genitive), luterilaisia (plural partitive), and luterilaisen kirkon (genitive phrase).

Lutheranism originated in the 16th century during the Reformation led by Martin Luther. It emphasizes justification by faith, the authority of Scripture, and the plurality of sacraments, typically recognizing baptism and the Lord's Supper. The movement spread across Northern Europe and took root in Finland, where historical ties to Sweden and later national church structures reinforced Lutheran faith.

In Finland, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is the largest religious body and has played a central role in religious life, rites, education, and public culture. Worship is liturgical, and church governance is episcopal, with bishops and ordained pastors guiding congregations. While membership has declined in recent decades amid secularization, luterilaista identity remains a significant element of cultural heritage and ceremonial life, influencing practices such as baptism, confirmation, weddings, and funerals.

Lutheran themes also shape Finnish holidays, music, and social ethics, including a emphasis on vocation, community service, and charitable work. The term luterilaista appears widely in Finnish-language discussions of theology, church affairs, and culture, serving as a general descriptor for anything associated with Lutheran faith and its Finnish expression.