The Idea of an Essay, Volume 3

8 The Idea of an Essay: Volume 3 contrary to their society and identity as a people. The Tablet further details how the individualistic nature of the Finnish people weakens the Catholic Church: To [the Finns], the Lutheran faith is a vindication of liberty, and the Catholic conception of freedom through acceptance of revelation and authority seems a curtailment of human rights... Catholicism is seen as a tyranny based on an absurdity, and this opinion is strengthened by a fervent national feeling that dreads ‘domination by Rome.’ (Green 5) The rejection of Catholicism is rooted in Finnish nationalism; while the Catholic Church purports a threat of foreign influence, the Lutheran alternative is closely allied with the domestic state, appearing to better protect the interests of Finns. While perpetuating Lutheranism, Finnish nationalism has detracted from the development of the Catholic Church. The spreading secularization within Finland has also interefered with the Catholic Church’s growth throughout the latter 20th century. In 1964, Aho Gerhard said of Finnish church practice, “[I]rregular church attendance seems to be a tradition of Finnish Christianity” (Aho 15). At that time, 30% of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland attended services regularly. Since then, members have become increasingly apathetic to regular church services. In the 1990s, attendance slid further; only 4% of Finns regularly attended church (Park). The trend of irreligiosity is carrying over into the 21st century as well; in 2010, only 1.8% of citizens attended weekly services (Mustonen). Throughout the 20th century and leading into the 21st, Finnish culture has grown increasingly secular, hurting religious institutions. Within a society with a growing distaste for religion, the Catholic Church has failed to exhibit independent success or growth. The dilapidated chapel and Father Jacob’s own feelings of being out of place within the world in Letters to Father Jacob display the secularization of Finland.The church Father Jacob once led appears to have been decommissioned long ago. The Biblical scenes on the walls are sorely faded and all but three chairs have been removed from the sanctuary. The ornate chandelier and many paintings suggest a once active religious community that has withdrawn from regular church attendance. The imagery is reminiscent of Finland’s dampened religious participation, the once devoted community that now sees