oikeaoppisia

Oikeaoppisia is a Finnish term used to refer to people who adhere to a doctrine or belief regarded as correct or orthodox. The word is built from oikea (right, proper) and oppi (doctrine or teaching), with oikeaoppinen forming an adjective and oikeaoppisia serving as the plural form when used as a noun. In everyday language, oikeaoppisia can describe adherents of a particular creed or interpretation, and it is often used to distinguish those who emphasize established doctrine from those who are more liberal or critical.

The term carries both neutral and evaluative nuances depending on context and tone. In academic or descriptive writing, oikeaoppisia may simply denote followers of a given doctrine; in polemic or media discourse, it can carry a pejorative sense, implying dogmatism, rigidity, or intolerance toward alternative views. The contrast with terms such as vapaamieliset (liberals) or kriittiset (critical) is common in discussions about religious, ideological, or doctrinal debates.

Contexts in which oikeaoppisia appears include religious discussions about church creeds and orthodoxy, as well as broader conversations about ideological conformity and doctrinal purity. While not tied to a single organization, the label is often used to describe groups or individuals who prioritize correct belief over other considerations such as practice or ethics.

See also: oikeaoppisuus, oppi, dogmatismi, ortodoksisuus.