Lestadians

’’’Lestadians’’’ (in Finnish, “Lestaadiolaiset” or “followers of Lestadius”) are conservative Finnish Christian sect prominent in northern Finland and Lapland. They follow the dictates of Swedish-born botanist and preacher Lars Levi Lestadius (1800-1861) who started the movement in northern Sweden in 1840’s.

Lestadians are similar to many small Christian religious communities in their collectiveness[?], exclusivity[?] and the idea that theirs is the only true faith. They are not separate from the Finnish Lutheran church but definitely their own sect.

Lestadian idea of sin includes dancing, rhythm and rock music, visual entertainment like movies and television, beer and alcohol in general, contraceptives, sports, premarital sex, swearing, cosmetics, jewelry and dyeing of hair. Tobacco is acceptable. Their idea of pleasant entertainment includes religious meetings and singing of hymns.

Lestadians emphasize somber lifestyle and personal confession of sins to another lestadian – not necessarily a priest. Still they may experience ecstatic rapture during their religious gatherings, when they proclaim their sins and are absolved “in Jesus’ name and blood”. Their preachers are rather fervent in their preaching style.

Lestadianism is common among Sami population. Lestadians are also known for their unusually large families – 10 children or more are the norm.

Lestadians have their own progressives and conservatives as well and there are three main subsects. Some leaders do not support the idea of exclusiveness. The most conservative followers amount to maybe 100.000 people. One subsect even use archaic speech patterns.