maalliset

Maalliset is a Finnish adjective meaning worldly, secular, or temporal. It describes things related to the earth or to ordinary life as opposed to spiritual or eternal concerns. In practice, maallinen is used to refer to mundane, material, or societal aspects rather than religious or metaphysical ones. The plural form maalliset is used when modifying a plural noun, for example maalliset asiat meaning worldly matters.

The term has a clear contrast with spiritual or heavenly concepts. In religious and philosophical contexts, maalliset aspects are distinguished from henkiset or hengelliset aspects, which denote the inner life, spirituality, or divine realm. The expression maalliset asiat commonly appears in discussions about governance, economy, culture, and everyday life, highlighting the secular or non-religious dimension of those topics. In broader usage, maallinen can carry a nuance of materialism or pragmatic, tangible concerns, though it does not always imply value judgments.

Etymologically, maallinen is related to the Finnish word for earth or world, reflecting the sense of temporal or earthly existence. Over time, the term has become a standard part of the vocabulary for describing the secular side of human life, especially in contrast to religious or ethical ideals.

Related terms include henkinen or hengellinen (spiritual) and taivaallinen (heavenly). The concept appears across literature, theology, and public discourse in Finland, where it helps differentiate between worldly affairs and matters of faith or eternity.