What is the Laestadian Lutheran Church?

[@georgejunior2929]

I've discovered at least five "One true churches " online today.

[@Romans-hu3uy]

"One true" churches are getting out of hand

[@trollsneedhugs]

Let me propose to you The Truth is the one true church because Jesus Christ is literally The Truth. Sorry, I can't explain it in more detail right now.

[@Parallax3599]

Their own doctrine doesn't seem to claim to be "one true", especially considering their statements at the end of this video. The thumbnail is clickbait, which is a bit disappointing from a RtH video.

[@ginismoja2459]

​@@trollsneedhugsit's as true as Dumbledore and Gandalf.

[@wordforever117]

Yeh if your one true church was founded by an ex-Catholic priest in the late middle ages then it is definitely not the one true church

[@Alkemisti]

In Finland, Laestadians do not have their own church, but they are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, albeit they have their own 'peace associations', basically alternative congregations with their own events and meetings. When they attend the mass, they join other Lutherans in their local churches. The headmaster of my upper elementary school was a Laestadian. He had so many children that he had to buy a minibus, and get a driver's license for a bus. The leader of the municipality was also a Laestadian. (Finland also had a Laestadian prime minister recently, but he was horrendously bad prime minister.)

[@hey-xb9qn]

What an interesting story! And yes, our former prime minister, Juha Sipilä, is a Laestadian. Though he is not a conservative/firstborn Laestadian (the more sectarian groups), but rather part of the "Rauhan sana" - "Word of peace" movement. They do not claim to be the one true Church, and they also collaborate with other conservative Lutherans here. The Finnish movement would doctrinally correspond to the ALCA (c. 6000 members) in the US. But yeah, they hold to the same pietistic Laestadian doctrine!

[@billcook4768]

Didn’t you guys have a young and seriously attractive pm? Was she any good?

[@ginismoja2459]

​​@@billcook4768I can't speak of attractiveness, as I am heterosexual, but she was really good and Finland is a great country to live in. She was actually reelected but she resigned because she wanted to do something else in the political world.

[@Alkemisti]

@@billcook4768 Sanna Marin was his successor (there was one between them). She was better for most of her term, but she brought us into NATO in the end.

[@albertito77]

I hope there will be many more Laestadians in Frinland and the USA

[@thetraditionalist]

last time I was this early, there was only one true church

[@redschannel6527]

as an LCMS Lutheran, I was getting along with these guys as described in the video, and then the section on creation hit me like a truck, lol

[@toomanymarys7355]

Denying that the Torah comes from Moses is a big one for me....

[@jonasaras]

Everyone knows that the Greek Orthodox is the true church. Catholics added to Christianity, Protestants subtracted from it; the Orthodox kept the original formula. 🤓

[@redschannel6527]

@@toomanymarys7355 yeah me too

[@Foggybottom45543]

Other laestadians believe in creation

[@gavinrice3641]

That's honestly fascinating to me as a Roman Catholic... that was one of the easiest sections for me to agree with! lol

[@ianpardue2615]

Thanks, mate, for finally doing this video, since there isn't much information on the net about the Laestadians.

[@allen9069]

This is great. As a person of Finnish-American heritage I've known many Laestadian's and other similar (Finnish) Lutheran churches. Glad to get an education of their beliefs.

[@RobertEWaters]

Legalism like this inevitably changes the focus of one's spiritual life from Christ to one's own behavior and merit. It's hard to call this sort of thing "Lutheran" in any sense that Luther would have recognized. It's interesting, too, that while rejecting the Third Use of the Law these folks are quite outspoken about how one is to live one's life!

[@ReflectedMiles]

"When there's something in the Bible that churches don't like, they call it 'legalism.'" - Leonard Ravenhill

[@run4cmt]

I am a life long Lutheran and never heard of this branch before

[@HeatherSt.Therese]

My boss is Laestadian and I'm glad I could get some more information on his beliefs.

[@billcook4768]

It’s times like these I’m reminded of the Cheers episode where a marriage almost ends because Woody is Lutheran Church of Missouri Synod whereas Kelly is Lutheran Church of America.

[@spbeckman]

I thought it was reversed. My grandparents generation split the family based on these two denominations. Three generations later half the family has large intact families and the other has been atomized. It is like seeing a set of dead or diseased branches on the family tree.

[@srleplay]

With their millenia old history, worldwide reach and numerous unified congregations, you can kinda give Orthodox and Catholics the pass for considering themselves "True Church", while idea that the "True Church" is small Lutheran denomination founded 180 years ago by some dude in Sweden is just plain bonkers

[@michaelciccone2194]

What's with the "kinda"??? Deep South rural USA lingo

[@liyura8907]

Woah! I've previously lived in the Swedish Arctic in an area historically dominated by Læstadians. Today it's much more mixed. There's still traditional Læstadians of course who mainly live in their own rural settlements, but most people in the area are today relatively secular no matter their background. There are plenty of non-Læstadian members of the (Lutheran) state church, there's people from Marxist-atheist backgrounds, and then there's more recent refugees and immigrants who are part of various Muslim or Christian sects. Læstadianism still exerts a pretty significant influence on the culture and mindset of people living there, though, I'd say. The Læstadians are a bit peculiar, but they're almost always quite kind and courteous. They separate themselves from wider society, often avoid television, dress relatively modestly, and have LOTS of kids. Probably most unusually for Sweden, in which alcohol consumption is very widespread and religious abstention is mostly associated with Islam rather than Christianity, they don't drink alcohol at all. Still, they rarely think themselves better than others or judge outsiders for not adhering to their stricter standards of living. Humble people who treat outsiders with respect but mostly keep to themselves, that's been my experience of them. Had no clue there were Læstadians in USA, never thought I'd see them mentioned on this channel! Super cool.

[@Foggybottom45543]

There’s quite a few of us. Other laestadian churches

[@liyura8907]

@ Very interesting! Might I ask, did all of the Læstadians who moved to USA start their own Læstadian churches rather than join wider Lutheran ones? And why? Here in Sweden the Læstadians are part of the state church, they have their own organisations and gatherings on the side but still retain membership and attend mass in the Church of Sweden.

[@benbookworm]

I first learned about Laestadians while researching my genealogy and connection to the Sámi.

[@Hyvelez]

I have visited a Laestadian church here in southern Norway a couple of times. The there very strange things I have noticed are that they never prepare their sermons, since they believe that it should come directly from the Holy Spirit. Some of the preachers do this surprisingly well, while others, well... don't. After communion, they walk around confessing sins to each other. And the third, is how they believe that they are the only true church. One time there was an elder from a church in Sweden visiting. He tried to witness to me, since I went to a non Laestadian church. I don't think he thought of me as a brother. It was a very strange experience. They are very kind and rich in hospitality. You will always feel welcomed if you visit them.

[@ByzantineCalvinist]

I have Finnish American relatives in Upper Michigan who are members of this church. Interesting movement.

[@wiel5908]

if i got a coin every time someone said they are the only true church i would have money enough to create my own only true church

[@fighterofthenightman1057]

Any group saying ANY use of alcohol should be prohibited certainly needs to stop the Lutheran label 😂🍻

[@davidmckelvey2601]

Yeah no...I would actually argue this is a false church. Drinking alcohol is not a sin. Getting drunk is a sin but drinking alcohol is not a sin. Jesus literally drank wine.

[@mil-ns3rc]

HE EVEN TURNED WATER INTO WINE, SO THE PARTY COULD CONTINUE, and they knew how to party about 3 days

[@4everseekingwisdom690]

​@mil-ns3rc actually the wedding feast of canna wasn't a wedding between people it was actually what you'd call a pagan festival in the spring. It was the marriage of the sun to the earth. It lasted several days and to be clear it's the sun that turns water into wine.. what is the light of this world, walks on water (sunrise, sunset) and will come again on the clouds. Traveling with 12 others (zodiac) ? Answer to all is the sun . These stories are allegory my friend. Never meant to be taken literally

[@mil-ns3rc]

@@4everseekingwisdom690 🤣🤣🤣Satan Father of lies,we truly are in the last days,thanks for confirming

[@TacoTuesday4]

@@4everseekingwisdom690😂😂😂 go outside and get some fresh air.

[@4everseekingwisdom690]

@@TacoTuesday4 ad hominem is exactly the response I'd expect from someone but intelligent enough to engage in the topic.. lol you don't even know what ad hominem is l😆

[@SilentEcho4178]

Oh, so THIS is the one true church. Phew, glad I found it, I almost went to hell for going to the wrong institution despite my faith in Christ and his work to save me! Thanks random fundamentalist church!

[@Romans-hu3uy]

Welcome home brother.

[@nikolaidick7238]

Please come back to [random restaurationist church], the one true church.

[@pinemillfiberandfarm-heath7907]

I grew up in the First Apostolic Luthern Church which was a split from the LLC in the 1970's.

[@BramptonAnglican]

Thank you for this. Have always wanted to learn more of this church.

[@theresemalmberg955]

In Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula they are known as Apostolic Lutherans. Edit: turns out that this is a separate group but with Laestadian origins.

[@Foggybottom45543]

Actually I think all the laestadian sects have churches up there. That is where the American laestadian church started before splitting up

[@famemolto]

I enjoy how unapologetically esoteric you can be. I hope this isn’t the one true church because I’m about 27 seconds from forgetting everything you said about it, including its name.

[@RepublicofE]

He has a playlist of videos explaining some of the esoteric terminology he uses.

[@haddynojala5436]

Some have claimed that but there are those who know better.

[@20thcenturytunes]

Bravo sir, growing up in an area where Laestatians were a majority, made for some interesting times - His writings are interesting, and worth a read.

[@LtBob38]

Not watching until later when my wife and I can both watch it, but she grew up in an area with a very high Laestadian population

[@BirdDogey1]

Always interesting to see a rather small synod divide into even smaller manageable groups.

[@FireEverLiving]

Interesting that they're theologically liberal but culturally very conservative; usually those two things go together.

[@DianaW3431]

Thanks for the info on this church body.

[@JonathanEngblom]

Here in Sweden a lot of Revival Movements have taken a firm stance against alcohol use, due to the widespread drunkeness..

[@briteddy9759]

I was aware of the Læstadians in Norway, but did not know there were congregations in the US. Interesting.

[@spbeckman]

I understand most of this, but am confused by the "third use if the law" discussion

[@simonskinner1450]

The NT tells us only the Father elects not the congregation, who have to accept the forgiveness others have, but only the Father can send the Spirit of promise.

[@codybauska2305]

Please a video on the OALC denomination, a laestadian faith as well.

[@Gingerbreadley]

Starts out fairly normal but quickly starts putting up cult red flags.

[@gracemember101]

The universal church is made of those who believe on Jesus, the Son of God unto salvation. No denomination has a corner on the grace of Jesus Christ.

[@ellen823ful]

That’s what I think too.

[@ellen823ful]

I’m a true Christian but I’m not a denomination

[@ronalddelavega3689]

That is very true. However denominations can be useful to the local church for service and evangelism purposes. They can also be very harmful if they hold into false doctrine and practice. For the individual Christian denominational beliefs can be a way to identify churches that are in error and must be adopted.

[@athanasius373]

There was a universal church during the time of the Apostles. Unfortunately, they got divided as time went on. I suggest you looking into early church history to see which denomination is true and held on to the teachings of Christ.

[@Suane333]

We have an actual Laestadian Church just north of Toronto Ontario Canada within the the town of Cookstown on the East side of Highway 27 going north.

[@mekelius]

The snowbird congregation is cute and kinda clever, because laestadius famously compared his congregation to snow buntings during his farewell sermon. "Farewell, you snow buntings and nightingales, who to this lone traveler have so been chirping and singing from the dearest of trees. May God give his grace, so that I may yet hear these snow buntings and nightingales chirping and singing, in front of God and the lamb in the kingdom of heaven, from the tree of life, a hymn anew." (translation mine)

[@JasonBlake-o1u]

The concept of the " true church" may be somewhat of a misnomer. The idea that one church denomination is true by default would mean that all the rest are wrong. I can see christ being present in a catholic or angkican or orthodox church simultaneously

[@SaltShack]

No Church that uses the foundation of Scripture and then denies the mechanisms and the individuals responsible for it in consensus defined by Scripture as pleasing to the Holy Spirit could ever be considered a True Church.

[@brucealanwilson4121]

If wine is bad, why did Jesus turn water into wine? Why did Paul tell Timothy to use wine?

[@varunsharma3532]

Nice logo

[@orwhat73]

A creative logo that uses the letters of the organization to make the Christian cross, but sacrilegious at the same time.

[@athanasius373]

okay... but what church is the one true church? could you please make a video on which one it is?

[@exposingfakechristianity5556]

Anything that claims to the/a church or Christianity is a 100% fraud. Every single church is 100% apostate and has nothing to do with the Christianity of the Bible. Jesus's church is a spiritual church, not a physical church. Everything that is a physical church is a manmade fraud.

[@pigetstuck]

THANK you for doing this video! Does it cover Apostolic Lutheran offshoots?

[@angloaust1575]

The elect A body of chosen ones scattered thruout The world!

[@EvilGuacamoleGaming]

For what seemed like such a very traditional and hardline doctrine I was shocked how reasonable and progressive they ended up being.

[@EvilGuacamoleGaming]

To be specific, this is due to their take on Creation and the environment.

[@BossVolt]

So, what? This is how many denominations and churches claiming to be the 'One True Church'?

[@orwhat73]

35:45 There is a channel that has collected excerpts of reasons for the two congregations being expelled. m.youtube.com/@L_L_Clips

[@TheAnswerIsJesus]

Hey Brother your Videos have been very educational and helped me in my walk by Gods grace. I am wondering if you could Videos possibly on certian denomonatial based colleges? Such as for example Liberty University, Dallas seminary, or Indiana Wesleyan. Thanks praying for you and your ministry and family!

[@jimbobjones5972]

Fascinating. Will you also do the other Laestadian bodies and discuss the reasons for the splits?

[@exposingfakechristianity5556]

What difference does it make? This whole denomination, like the entire church is 100% apostate and has nothing to do with the Christianity of the Bible.

[@jimbobjones5972]

@exposingfakechristianity5556 Your opinion is noted. This being your opinion, why pray tell do you bother watching these videos?

[@jimbobjones5972]

​@@exposingfakechristianity5556 Your opinion is noted. Since you apparently think that all Christian groups except your own are apostate, why, pray tell, do you bother watching and commenting on these videos?

[@Nikwunu]

the second largest laestadians are called the firstborn and the main difference is that they view the elders of lapland as having authority. they also read the written sermons of lestadius with modifications. these modifications may include accusing other branches of being pharisees and whatnot. the smaller branches have minor differences mentioned in the video or about how they view laestadius.

[@seasonedwithsalt5129]

@Nikwunu ,....Nevertheless, none of them have anything whatsoever to do with the God the Jesus, the truth, the gospel, nor the Christianity of the Bible.

[@evangelicalcatholics]

Very similar to LCMS and WELS, but certainly some differences as well. As a pastor in the LCMS, I wouldn't necessarily have a problem attending this church -- and there are many around where I live. We are not in fellowship with LLC so I wouldn't commune or preach, but with the liturgical/traditional worship and Law/Gospel focus, I think I'd be alright there.

[@RepublicofE]

They seem to have retained the basics of Lutheran soteriology and sacramentalogy, but with a lot of legalism heaped on top. Their view of baptism also seems like it has a little bit of Reformed influence. I'd say they're a milk-drinker Lutheran denomination.

[@pinemillfiberandfarm-heath7907]

In order to be comfy there you'd most likely have to believe that your other Luthern friends and family are going to hell unless you can convert them to LLC

[@RepublicofE]

I have a couple questions: 1. It doesn't seem like this denomination believes in or at least doesn't emphasize a personal born again or conversion experience. This suprises me since I understood that Laestadianism was an offshoot of Pietism. Can you clarify? 2. The stated views on the creation narrative, biblical literalism/inerrancy, and fundamentalism seem against the grain for a church like this. Do you know if these views were different in recent history? Is there a strong moderate wing that managed to effect change on these doctrines but not others?

[@Nikwunu]

they do value personal a conversion experience. they preach about law heavily and then go around the church building verbally declaring absolution to eachother.

[@realjohanngoethe]

Of course. Every church is the one true church, according to its members.

[@convertedsinner9536]

Nope. The great majority of Protestant denominations do not consider themselves the one true church.

[@chrishanzek8930]

The Sami people are not just in northern Scandanavia but in Finland and Russian as well.

[@natbaeza710]

Okay so what was going on in 1844? You know Adventists heard that right away

[@theresemalmberg955]

1844 was a very interesting year for both Mormons and Baha'is as well.

[@Robert-r4s4c]

It is a man-made Church that ruptures the unity of Christ's Body, and is no different to all the other man-made Churches and denominations that do the same.

[@intentionally-blank]

For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? - 1 Corinthians 1:11-13

[@KingoftheJuice18]

"We cannot achieve [complete] righteousness before God through our own merits and deeds." With the bracketed word added, I think that's true. But it's equally true that we cannot achieve complete righteousness before God without our own deeds. Come on, guys: everyone from Paul to Calvin knows that you can't just sit on the couch, do nothing to manifest love of God and neighbor, say you "believe," and expect to be considered righteous by God on the Day of Judgment. Read more James! Faith alone is dead.

[@sbccave4015]

Uh yeah the Bible tells you how God created he spoke read the Bible it will set you free.

[@lavieestlenfer]

Magic! 🎉

[@albertito77]

If they are natalists then we can expect to slowly hear more about them in both the USA and the Scandinavian countries

[@Nebias498]

The Bible is inerrant in every aspect ✝️✝️✝️

[@lavieestlenfer]

Lol. No.

[@BigBroTejano]

Fun fact, while the Sami are often called the “Native Americans” of Scandinavia they actually have been living there for less time than the ancestors of the Dans, Norwegians, Swedes, and Finns.

[@pasavant]

Can God make a rock that is too heavy for him to move? Just wondering.

[@dancahill9585]

It's certainly one of 45,000 true churches.

[@exposingfakechristianity5556]

What it is, is certainly one of the 45,000 100% apostate churches!

[@innovationhq8230]

There are not 45k Protestant denominations. Typical papist lie.

[@heard3879]

That is so weird. They are against birth control and makeup, but they think it's okay to believe in evolution!

[@TheOtherCaleb]

Wait ‘till Laestadian Lutherans learn about Martin Luther and basically the entire conservative reformation (they enjoyed their alcohol).

[@americanswan]

You must believe reality. To believe a metaphor unlinked to reality is to believe a fantasy.

[@nymphrodellsalavin]

We all know libertarianism is the one true church /j

[@pwct321]

The doctrine of the Christian Congregation is similar to Roman Catholic doctrine outside the Church, there is no salvation. Though after Vatican 2, the Church also included the separated brethren.

[@AML-FRL]

👍👍👍👍

[@fluffysheap]

Is this the one true church? Statistically, probably not. Didn't Anne Rice write a book about Lestadius? 😂

[@billyhw5492]

Jesus drank wine.

[@jefftitterington7600]

Legalistic and exclusionary groups such as this remind me of the conservative evangelical church I attended until recently. The emphasis on being the only true church and the need for complete adherence to a set of doctrines are repugnant to me.

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

🌹💐🌟💐🌹

[@brucealanwilson4121]

Anent sorts, fitness is good stewardship of the body.

[@TJ-015]

If there were a “true church” it would have to be the longest a standing. Either Orthodox or Catholic. Not something started in the 1970’s 😂

[@lavieestlenfer]

It's like you have no idea what the concept of restoration is. 😂

[@maxiomburrows2099]

Any church organization that preaches "one true church" as a whole is not, though some members may be. Yeshua'(Jesus) kingdom is not of this world, nor is his church, yet. Presently it is in spirit and truth. YHWH(God) has each hair upon our head numbered, this means He knows us better than we know ourselves, He knows who recognize his authority and ownership in our lives... this is the True Church regardless to what clubs we belong. Jesus defeated sin and death all we must do is accept it.

[@noahtylerpritchett2682]

If your gonna say Jesus's name in Hebrew be dialectually accurate 🤦🏻 Yeshua is the standard Hebrew but in first century Galilee in Aramaic the most widely spoken language the dialect would of said Yeshu and Jesus would of called himself Yeshu In his day and iaseos (I think that's right?) when speaking Greek (where they name Jesus comes from)

[@Parallax3599]

My reply to another comment here, rephrased: Their own doctrine doesn't seem to claim to be "one true", especially considering their statements at the end of this video in the Kingdom of Peace section. The thumbnail is therefore clickbait, which is a bit disappointing from a RtH video.

[@convertedsinner9536]

They definitely do claim to be the one true Church. It's the same as the Orthodox Church. There may be different jurisdictions in different countries, but they still believe that only their group (conservative Laestadianism) is the true church.

[@orwhat73]

If you do more research you will discover it is not clickbait. This church publishes many audio recordings of its services where it’s explained that all those outside of this church unfortunately are from dead faiths and wrong spirits. It’s not a complete secret that they have a “one true church” teaching. Their website is deceptive however, as they never publish such things in writing. Salvation comes through members of their organization only. Only a member can preach the absolution of sins to gain salvation. Believing the gospel of Christ by hearing it from any other denomination has no power to save. All must continue to attend their sect of churches, exclusively, to remain saved. Attending another church outside the sect will be a path to perdition.

[@christianfreedom-seeker2025]

😂 considering that ALL demoninations have "a truth claim" I would be careful. Plus if you have kids? Leave them with a trusted babysitter! DO NOT take your little ones to a denomination that doesn't background check it's employees or servants.

[@wordforever117]

If it is Luthgeran then by definition it cannot be the one true Church. There was already a one true church for over a thousand years before Martin Luther

[@exposingfakechristianity5556]

The Godless abominations of catholicism and orthodoxy have nothing whatsoever to do with the God, the Jesus, the truth, the gospel, nor the Christianity of the Bible. Repent of your 100% fake, manmade, Godless religion!

[@JoshuaBSunderland]

Short answer: no Longer answer: still no

[@chrisray9653]

Of course Jesus spoke Finnish.

[@SGOV86]

All the Christian denominations...😵‍💫

[@Gio-ce8ob]

Protestants broke off from the Church Christ founded and it’s been breaking off ever since. It’s sad. 😢. Praying for those who follow the traditions of men outside the Church Christ built through His Apostles.

[@exposingfakechristianity5556]

There are no bigger Godless abominations than catholicism, orthodoxy, and mormonism. Repent!

[@michaeltinkler3380]

'ecclesiola in ecclesia' - the invisible church. Sigh.

[@seasonedwithsalt5129]

The real church is indeed an invisible church. It is a spiritual church, absolutely not a physical church. Everything that is a physical church is all 100% apostate and has nothing whatsoever to do with the God, the Jesus, the truth, the gospel, nor the Christianity of the Bible,

[@4everseekingwisdom690]

Honestly i think christ was a myth and shouldn't by taken literally and I'd probably want to un alive myself if i had to do deep dives into the minutia of different sects like this guy does but i have to respect the dedication in learning and putting this out..

[@maryschade1906]

Nope.

[@exposingfakechristianity5556]

Correct, just another 100% apostate, fake, manmade, Godless church.

[@lavieestlenfer]

​@@exposingfakechristianity5556Like every single other church.

[@seasonedwithsalt5129]

@@lavieestlenfer ,....Yes, all the churches are apostate and have nothing to do with the truth or the Christianity of the Bible. This in no way whatsoever means that the Bible is not 100% true and that there is not a real church. The real church, the church the Bible speaks of, is a spiritual church, absolutely not a physical church. The few actual Christians that exist are all a spiritual church, and they are all scattered all across the plane of the earth, one here, and one there. Anything that is a physical church is not the church that the Bible speaks of. Also, do not fail to understand, the Bible is the ONLY truth there is. Do not ever look at the church, look only at/to the Bible.

[@michaelciccone2194]

This video is a PowerPoint presentation......too much detail....too verbose.

[@4everseekingwisdom690]

Honestly i think christ was a myth and shouldn't by taken literally and I'd probably want to un alive myself if i had to do deep dives into the minutia of different sects like this guy does but i have to respect the dedication in learning and putting this out..