In his satirical novel Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven, Mark Twain observes how dull heaven as imagined would ultimately be with its endless harp-playing. But to my recollection this novel hardly mentions God at all.
     Erik Wahlström has taken the divine perspective in his new novel, Gud ('God'). Basing on the stories of the Bible — as told and recorded by people — he imagines the thoughts and feelings of God (see page 182). But Christian believers need not be offended, for the author shows tact. In fact, he discusses the study and interpretation of the Bible — and the novel has also a humorous tone. Wahlström's God has more understanding for women and their role, be it Eve or the Virgin Mary, than shown by men, and male theologians in particular.
     There is no doubt that the Bible has inspired Western artists more than any other book, and not only in the sacral sense. Its stories belong to the cultural heritage and are at least assumed to be familiar to everyone regardless of faith or religious conviction. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is the latest example of how this chain is forged. The Last Supper inspired Leonardo Da Vinci to paint his fresco of the same name. A secret possibly embedded in it inspires a conspiracy theory and provides the elements of a naïve, albeit commercially brilliant, adventure novel. The plot is about the power of the church, but the book also addresses interpretations of the life and personality of Christ. The story has gone on to be utilised in computer games and a recent film.
     The majority of Finns belong to a church, either the country's official Evangelical-Lutheran church or some other religious denomination. But there is no way to gauge the degree of personal faith or religiosity. In a recent magazine interview, young Finnish adults said they belonged to the church in order to hold an impressive traditional wedding and to have their children baptised in the proper manner.
     Church membership was also regarded as a precaution against times of adversity, even though questions of faith were not foremost. Homes and cars are insured, so why not the soul?
     The God for good times remains in the background, like an insurance company or a bank. We recognise his logo, but who among church members of habit would really bother to go and inquire about their personal balance of sins?
     A completely different attitude to religion is expressed by Antti Eskola, left-wing intellectual and professor emeritus of sociology, in his 'devotional book' Yksinkertainen usko ('A simple faith'). Proceeding through questions and questioning the interpretations of the church, he approaches the God of his own childhood. Eskola maintains that the question of the 'objective' existence of God is not relevant. He writes: 'We should admit already that we will never find an answer to it that could qualify as scientific evidence or legal proof. We must simply believe, not believe, or leave ourselves wavering somewhere in between'.
     Art — even entertainment — science and meditation all have this focus in mind, even though Solomon notes: 'The LORD said that he would dwell in thick darkness'. (I Kings 8:12)

Kristina Carlson
Editor-in-Chief