From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The Laestadian movement (Lestadiolaiset in Finnish and Laestadianismen in Swedish, or the "followers of Laestadius") are a conservative Christian revial movement prominent mostly in Finland, Sweden, Norway and North America. The guideline of their faith is the Bible. Teachings of Martin Luther and the botanist and preacher Lars Levi Lestadius (1800-1861) are highly valued. Lestadius kind of started the movement while being a pastor in the Church of Sweden in northern Sweden in the 1840s. Laestadians are among the biggest revival movements within the Church of Finland and the Church of Sweden. Due to various kinds of disagreenments in the congrecation, the movement has been split into several different groups.
Laestadians emphasize a somber lifestyle. A precious tradition in the meetings is proclaiming the forgiveness of sins in "in Jesus' name and blood".
Laestadians often have a slightly larger family than average.
The total number of members in the various Lastadian groups in different countries is a few hundred thousands.
