oikeaoppisten

Oikeaoppisten is a Finnish term for people who adhere to orthodox doctrine or creed within a larger group, such as a religious community, a political movement, or an ideological circle. The form is the genitive plural of oikeaoppinen, an adjective meaning "orthodox" or "doctrinaire." In everyday language, oikeaoppinen noun phrases are often used to describe a faction that emphasizes strict adherence to established teachings, rules, or interpretations, as opposed to more liberal or reformist strands. The related noun oikeaoppisuus denotes the quality of orthodoxy or doctrinal correctness.

Usage and nuance: The term can be neutral when simply describing a group's stance, but it can carry a critical or pejorative connotation if used by opponents to label others as dogmatic or inflexible. It is common in religious polemics to contrast oikeaoppisten views with those of reformists, liberal theologians, or secular critics.

Grammatical notes: Oikeaoppisten appears in the genitive plural; nominative plural is oikeaoppiset. The adjective forms are otherwise declined in line with standard Finnish grammar.

See also: ortodoksisuus (orthodoxy), dogmatism, fundamentalism.