Adolescent girls in Finland exhibit growing fascination towards Christianity
In a surprising turn of events, Finland is witnessing a significant rise in Christianity among young men, according to recent surveys and research. This trend challenges the long-held belief that women, particularly young women, are more religious than men.
Professor Henrietta Grönlund, Urban Theology expert at the University of Helsinki, attributes this shift to a variety of factors. One of these factors is the burgeoning "quiet revival" and growth in church attendance. Research highlighted by the Bible Society reveals a staggering 56% increase in church attendance since 2018, with Generation Z's attendance quadrupling from 4% to 16%. Remarkably, young men—who were previously the least likely to attend church—now outnumber young women in congregations.
Another contributing factor is the role churches play in addressing issues like anxiety and social isolation. Many young men are turning away from harmful online spaces and seeking spiritual connection and community in church settings. This shift suggests that churches are meeting emotional and social needs that resonate particularly with this demographic.
Youth-oriented religious movements and events have also been instrumental in this rise. Events like the Pentecostal World Conference and long-running campaigns such as "The Send" in Finland have reached tens of thousands of people, resulting in at least 1,000 young people deciding to follow Christ. These active youth-focused religious outreach initiatives may be especially impactful for young men, contributing to their increased commitment.
Religious teachings that emphasize personal transformation, overcoming fears, and cultivating healthy relationships through the Holy Spirit have also been underscored. These messages may appeal to young men seeking meaning, identity, and community, encouraging deeper engagement with Christianity.
Professor Kati Tervo-Niemelä, a Practical Theology expert at the University of Eastern Finland, presented new research findings at a theological conference at the Finnish Bible Institute in early January 2025. The research supports the notion that the rise in Christianity among young Finnish men is a complex phenomenon, influenced by a combination of factors.
In contrast, urban areas are more diverse, with different beliefs present, and rural areas are more homogeneous in terms of population and religion. Some may find the norms imposed on religion more oppressive in rural areas, making faith seem irrelevant and less personal. In cities, people often get to live more anonymously, according to Grönlund, which could contribute to the increased interest in faith.
Large cities have the highest proportions of immigrants, who identify with cultural backgrounds where speaking out about faith is common. This diversity may foster a more open discussion about faith, making it a more mundane matter and challenging people to form their own views on religion.
These findings represent a cultural shift where young men are actively seeking spiritual connection as a source of hope and community, overturning prior trends of lower religious participation among males. As this trend continues, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the religious landscape of Finland in the coming years.
[1] Bible Society Finland: https://biblesociety.fi/ [2] The Send Finland: https://thesend.fi/ [3] Pentecostal World Conference: https://pwc.global/
- The rising trend of Christianity among young men in Finland can be partially attributed to the education-and-self-development opportunities offered by churches, such as addressing issues like anxiety and social isolation, and providing a sense of community and personal transformation through religious teachings.
- Youth-oriented religious movements and events, like the Pentecostal World Conference and "The Send" in Finland, have played a significant role in the education-and-self-development of young men, reaching tens of thousands and contributing to their increased commitment to Christianity.
