Christ vs. Communism: Communism as a Religious Social Problem in Finland's Proto‐Fascist Lapua Movement in the 1930s. Issue 4 (28th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koskelainen, Sami; Hjelm, Titus
• Is Part Of: Journal of historical sociology. Volume 30:Issue 4(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: 768
• Page End: 788
• Publication Date: 2016-07-28
• Subjects: Historical sociology -- Periodicals; Social history -- Periodicals; 301.05
• DOI: 10.1111/johs.12130
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-1909

Abstract

Abstract: This article traces the emergence of religious anti‐communist discourse in Finland's proto‐fascist Lapua Movement in the 1930s. Applying constructionist social problems theory, it discusses the constructions of communism as a religious social problem, Christian piety as a solution to the problem of godless communism, and the religious legitimation of violence. The article argues that by identifying Christianity with the Finnish nation the construction of communism as a religious problem—itself an outcome of the influence of revivalist Lutheran ministers in the leadership of the movement—resonated with the broader audience, but that this indigenous religious nationalism lost support with the increasing belligerence of the movement.