Laestadians in the Public Sphere: Reading the Biggest Christian Revival Movement in Finland

Tapio Nykänen,Aini Linjakumpu

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-47576-5_3

Abstract

In this chapter, we argue that the political and economic activities of the members of the Conservative Laestadianism are often intertwined with the religion and the religious notions of the movement. Many seemingly secular stances and procedures have theological basis, while others rely and utilize the social networks that originate in the church. However, the effects of the religion in the secular life of Laestadians are quite diverse, and one should not oversimplify them. The implications of a person’s religious background can be positive for the members of the movements and society as a whole, but the religious dimension can also have negative consequences in politics and business, especially in the context of strong social relationships, bonds, and reciprocal links. Religious literacy means, at least partly, that one recognizes the variable roles that religion has in different social contexts.

Highlights

Conservative Laestadianism is the biggest revival movement within the Finnish Lutheran Church and the largest Christian revival movement in Scandinavia
We have analyzed the engagement of Conservative Laestadian people in the political and economic spheres, or in the movement’s own terms, “the world”
The research results help to understand the connection of religion to economics and politics

Summary

Introduction

In terms of religious literacy, this chapter aims at understanding how Conservative Laestadianism positions itself and how its members are acting in seemingly non-religious spheres, i.e. how to understand religiousness in political and economic contexts. We argue that the political and economic dimensions of the Laestadian world are not separate or self-sufficient Instead, they are—sometimes quite visibly—intertwined with the religion and the religious notions of the movement (see Moore 2015, 31). It is important to realize that the interaction between religious and non-religious spheres can be complex and could even challenge the very idea of religiousness This understanding is crucial since there are several disputes regarding the manner in which Conservative Laestadians and other conservative religious groups act in society. We have gathered material produced by the media, register data, material produced by the Conservative Laestadian movement, as well as material drawn from historical and genealogical sources.

Laestadian Politics—Historical and Theological Basis

Voting in the 21st Century

Being a Laestadian in Politics

Economic Life

Laestadian Theology as a Resource for Economics

Religiously Motivated Practices as a Resource

Social Dimensions and Networking as a Resource

Conclusion