Making sense of personal and global problems: an analysis of the writings and lectures of Rauni-Leena Luukanen-Kilde

Authors

• Tommy Ramstedt Åbo Akademi University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30674/scripta.67422

Keywords:

Religious change, Postsecularism, Unidentified flying objects, Parapsychology, Conspiracy theories, Globalization, Health, Reincarnation, Extraterrestrial beings, Internet, Media and religion, Social media, Science fiction, Disasters

Abstract

Rauni-Leena Luukanen-Kilde (b. 1939) is a well-known figure in the Finnish alternative spiritual milieu. She is an author and lecturer on parapsychology and ufology and has been a guest on several talk shows in the Nordic countries. The topics discussed by Luukanen-Kilde range from the psychic abilities of mankind to visitations from extraterrestrial beings. Since the mid-1980s Luukanen-Kilde has developed conspiracy theories about an elite group governing the world in secret. Luukanen-Kilde is a bestselling author and draws audiences of several hundreds to her talks. Her conspiracy theory view of the world offers explanations for all kinds of personal, national, as well as global problems and disasters. Personal health problems, tragic incidents such as school shootings, economic crises and unemployment, earthquakes and floods can, according to her belief system, all be attributed to a single cause; namely to the actions of a clandestine, malevolent group. The popularity of Luukanen-Kilde’s books and lectures can be seen as an example of how people in late modernity are seeking alternative interpretations of themselves and of world events.