The following year marked the beginning of the pietistic revival that would influence northern Scandinavia's religious and cultural life for years to come. This Laestadian Revival, as it came to be called, had tremendous impact on the Sami population. During this clash of faith, they killed the village's shopkeeper and bailiff, maltreated the town's minister and burned the local shopkeeper's home. This uprising was mostly due to the poor social conditions which the Sami were living under, but Laestadius and his movement were blamed by many for what had happened. Disciples of the Laestadian Movement are adherents of literal Biblical interpretation.
Great emphasis is placed on mankind's inherent sinfulness.
And conversion to the true faith is evoked by the confessing of sin before a congregation. This may then be followed by confession to one of the movement's leaders who will grant forgiveness of sin by a laying on of hands. The Laestadians are stern Lutherans with strict morals. They are also known to be extremely conservative in ethical and religious issues. The Northern Lights Route is part of The Council of Europe Cultural Routes.