uskonpuhdistus

Uskonpuhdistus (literally “faith purification”) is a term used to describe efforts within a religious tradition to remove elements deemed unorthodox, heterodox, or corrupt and to restore or maintain doctrinal unity and ritual conformity. The concept can refer to internal reforms led by church authorities as well as to state-supported campaigns that align religious life with official doctrine or policy. Typical aims include doctrinal clarification, revision of liturgy, discipline of clergy and lay followers, suppression of syncretic practices, and educational measures aimed at ensuring conformity.

History and scope often place uskonpuhdistus in European Christian contexts, especially during confessional consolidation in the early modern era and within national churches seeking uniformity. The term is also used to describe comparable processes in other religious traditions or in contexts where authorities seek to redefine or tighten religious practice and belief. While purification efforts can strengthen perceived integrity and moral standards, they have frequently coincided with the suppression of dissenting voices, minority groups, or innovative interpretations.

Criticism of uskonpuhdistus centers on its potential to restrict freedom of belief and to dampen theological diversity. Proponents argue that it helps preserve doctrinal coherence and social order. In contemporary discourse, the term is often used in scholarly discussions of church-state relations, religious governance, and the historical dynamics of reform and control within religious communities.

See also: religious reform, heresy, church-state relations, doctrinal orthodoxy, religious discipline, secularization.