essence of God, goodness of God, nature of God, is God good or bad

God; is He good or bad?

Is God good and just or not? Many do not realize that Jesus was and is the perfect image of a heavenly God

This writing discusses the essence of God. Is he benevolent and loving or the opposite of that? Or is he a mixture of good and evil? If you ask atheists about this, it is clear what they will answer. They consider God not good, but malevolent and unpredictable. This idea appears repeatedly in atheist books, so that it has been written about by Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and other atheist writers, among others. They may have invoked e.g. to a few problem points in the Bible, to refer to evil in the world or to refer to injustices that have been done in the name of God over the centuries. When I was an atheist myself, I used the same arguments to justify my denial of God. These arguments are not new.

But how is it? What can be known about God and what exactly is the Christian teaching on the subject? We will explore that in the following lines. We begin with the existence of God.

Why fight against something that isn’t there? When thinking about God's essence, goodness or evil, it of course presupposes that God exists. Or how can we talk about God's essence and nature if God doesn't even exist? After all, non-existence cannot have any properties, so the whole discussion about God's essence is a useless waste of time in this respect. We can use our time for something else than discussing God, who never existed. We can go on a vacation trip or do something else fun instead of wasting time on unnecessary conversation and thinking.

Fighting atheists are funny people in this sense. They use their time and energy to prove something that doesn’t exist in their opinion. They write books of hundreds of pages to prove their point of view to be correct and to prove to others the non-existence of God. They try to convert others to the same way of thinking that they themselves have. However, they only focus on the existence of God. They don't do the same if we discuss, for example, the existence of the tooth fairy, the flying spaghetti monster or the flying cauldron. They do not bother to prove the non-existence of these things but focus only on God. What is causing this? Maybe atheists themselves can't give an answer to this.

So what if God really exists and he is a malevolent God as atheists assume? Then the matter becomes even more serious. Then atheists fight against God, who does not want anything good towards them, only evil. They are in a difficult position and in fact each of us is then in the same situation. We have to deal with and face a God who has bad intentions towards us, and that is certainly not a good situation from our own point of view. We are in a bad situation because God only has bad plans and thoughts towards us. We have no chance of survival. Or how do atheists cope with this dilemma?

Problematic passages of the Bible. It is well known that atheist writers attack the Bible. They bring up problematic points in the Bible, which can trouble even people who sincerely believe in the Bible. This cannot be denied. However, the following points should be taken into account in this matter:

The conquest of the land of Canaan is something that some have stumbled upon. They see that God was not fair in ordering the Canaanites to be destroyed. In this matter, however, it is worth paying attention to the following points:

• The most important factor is that the wickedness of the Canaanites had reached such proportions that God judged this nation. They even burned their children in the fire, which is an indication of cruelty and hardness:

- (Deut 12:31) You shall not do so to the LORD your God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hates, have they done to their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

• Secondly, God was long-suffering towards the Canaanites. He gave them centuries to give up their wrongdoings. Abraham was given a prophecy from God that the sin of the Amorites hadn’t yet reached its full measure, but that it would take another 400 years:

- (Gen 15:13,16) And he said to Abram, Know of a surety that your seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not their’s, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

16 But in the fourth generation they shall come here again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

• Thirdly, the conquest of the land of Canaan was not based on the superiority of the Israelites over others. They were specifically forbidden from such thinking: (Deut 9:4): Speak not you in your heart, after that the LORD your God has cast them out from before you, saying, For my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD does drive them out from before you.

In addition, it is significant that the Israelites were also warned that if they drifted into the same injustice and evil as the Canaanites, they would have to suffer it themselves (Deut 8:19,20): And it shall be, if you do at all forget the LORD your God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroys before your face, so shall you perish; because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God. This really happened when the ten northern tribes of Israel were firstly captured by Assyria and when Judah was later defeated by Babylon.

• As stated, the judgment of the Canaanites was due to their wickedness; especially the violence because they burned their children in the fire. Also, their time of grace had run out.

Violence is probably the main reason why God judged the Canaanites. However, the same thing happened with the flood: "and the earth was filled with violence" (Gen 6:11), and therefore God's patience ran out. The same pattern was repeated in the case of Sodom. Many have said that the reason for the destruction of Sodom was the practice of homosexuality, but that may not be the main reason. Instead, the violence associated with this activity is probably the biggest reason for the destruction and doom of this city.

Entirety. It is typical for atheist books to bring up certain Bible verses, which they use to promote their ideas. This is understandable because they want to show the Christian faith to be invalid. However, everyone knows and can be convinced in their heart, if they read a little more in the Bible, that most of it deals with loving one's neighbor, including the stranger, social justice and righteousness, and the right quality of mind. There are thousands of such verses alongside a few problematic points and therefore the whole should be taken into account.

What about God's essence? Neo-atheists certainly know that the God of the Bible is not only a God of judgment but also a God of compassion, mercy, justice, holiness and mercy - a God who cares about his creation and the people who are part of it. Among other things, the following verses refer to God's mercy and graciousness. They are from the Old Testament side:

- (Ex 22:26, 27) If you at all take your neighbor’s raiment to pledge, you shall deliver it to him by that the sun goes down:

27 For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he cries to me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.

- (Ex 34:6) And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

- (2 Ch 30:9) For if you turn again to the LORD, your brothers and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.

- (Ps 86:15) But you, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

- (Ps 111:4) He has made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

- (Ps 145:8) The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

- (Jon 4:2) And he prayed to the LORD, and said, I pray you, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before to Tarshish: for I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repent you of the evil.

The Old Covenant is not valid. When atheists attack the Bible, they usually attack the Old Testament. They focus on Old Testament texts and their criticizing.

However, it is important to note that the Old Covenant, which the Old Testament tells about, is no longer valid. The law of Moses, the regulations related to it and the covenant that came through Moses was only temporary and it concerned the Jews and the society of that time. It no longer exists. This imperfect covenant ceased to exist because Jesus brought a new, better covenant that had been prophesied (Jer 31:31-34) and is intended for all the nations of the world as the following verses show. Thus atheists attack against what is no longer valid.

- (Hebr 7:22) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

- (Hebr 8:6) But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

- (Hebr 9:15) And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

- (Rom 15:12) And again, Esaias said, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Another thing about the New Covenant is that regular people can have a deeper understanding of God than before, because we can be temples of the Holy Spirit. We can also live in the forgiveness of sins, which comes to us through the atonement of Jesus:

- (Eze 36:26,27) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my judgments, and do them.

- (Hebr 8:10-13) For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, said the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

13 In that he said, A new covenant, he has made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.

Therefore, it is important to understand that Christianity is first and foremost based on Jesus, His authority, and on the New Covenant, of which every person in the world can be involved. His teachings work as the basis for Christianity, not so much the scriptures of the Old Testament and the Old Covenant. Jesus is greater than Moses, as it is written:

- (Hebr 3:1-3) Why, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.

3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house has more honor than the house.

The former does not mean, however, that we should overlook and forget the scriptures of the Old Testament. Not at all, but the teaching of Jesus and the apostles He appointed is the most important instruction in this area. Jesus said, for example the following words which indicate the importance of His speeches:

- (Matt 5:21,22,27,28,31,32,34,38-40) You have heard that it was said of them of old time, You shall not kill; and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

22 But I say to you, That whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whoever shall say, You fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

27 You have heard that it was said by them of old time, You shall not commit adultery:

28 But I say to you, That whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.

31 It has been said, Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce:

32 But I say to you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery.

34 But I say to you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

38 You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39 But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.

- (Matt 7:24-29) Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, which built his house on a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell not: for it was founded on a rock.

26 And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, which built his house on the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

THE PRINCIPLE OF A SENSE OF JUSTICE. When atheists attack God and the Bible, there is often a good principle behind it: the principle of a sense of justice. They see that God is not fair and just and therefore they consider their denial of God reasonable. Of course, this does not negate the existence of God, as atheists hope. He may really exist, but he's not quite what atheists would like him to be. He does not conform to the wishes of atheists.

C. S. Lewis refers to this same subject. He was also an atheist and used the same argument as modern atheists. He considered the world to be unfair and used it to justify his denial of God:

I justified my denial of God by the fact that I thought the world was a very cruel and unfair place. But where exactly had I gotten my notions of justice and injustice?… What in my mind was I comparing this world to when I claimed it was unjust?… Of course I could have dismissed my idea of justice and said it was nothing more than my personal opinion. But if I had rejected it, the basis of my atheism would have collapsed at once—for my reasoning was that the world was truly unfair, not just different from what I happened to like. In trying to prove that God does not exist—that is, that all existing reality is absurd—I found myself forced to think that part of reality—namely, my own conception of justice—was very reasonable. Atheism thus turns out to be too simple a structure of thought. (1)

Atheists' attacks against God and the Bible are therefore often based on a good principle: the principle of a sense of justice. They see that God is not fair and just. That's why they consider their atheism reasonable.

So where did these people get their sense of justice, with which they seek to question God? There are two general views on this: either it is inherited from lower animals or even from the Big Bang, or it originates from God who created the first human pair. Which of these options is true?

Of course, we can look into the matter. If the sense of justice comes from lower animal species or even from the Big Bang, God can be excluded from the calculations. There is no need to consider him because he doesn't even exist. Nor can he be accused of injustice, since a non-existent cannot have any qualities.

What about the other option, i.e. does the sense of justice come from God? This leads to an interesting contradiction. Because if the sense of justice comes from God, then atheists blame God, who himself has put the sense of justice in them. It's a bit like if a child blames their parents for not having children. The following Bible verses are well suited for this:

- (Isa 45:9,10) Woe to him that strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashions it, What make you? or your work, He has no hands?

10 Woe to him that said to his father, What beget you? or to the woman, What have you brought forth?

- (Isa 29:15,16) Woe to them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who sees us? and who knows us?

16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

If we stick to the teaching of the Bible, it is of course clear that man has received his special characteristics through God's work of creation. When God created the first human pair, he made them in his own image, although in the Fall this image was distorted. He gave man characteristics that mark man's difference from the rest of creation. The special characteristics of a person are e.g. language, great intelligence, religiosity (only people pray) and the subject of this writing, i.e. the sense of right and wrong. Man was created in God's image and that explains these special characteristics:

- (Gen 1:26,27) And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

- (Ec 3:11) He has made every thing beautiful in his time: also he has set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end.

Atheists accept murder. When atheists attack the Bible, there is often an arrogant attitude behind it, a kind of cultural and chronological feeling of superiority. It means an attitude in which modern people consider themselves wiser and morally superior than people of past times. Thus, modern atheists are convinced that they are both intellectually and morally ahead of the writers of the Old Testament. They think they are wiser and represent human rights better than, for example, Moses.

However, one thing takes away the ground from the atheists' view; it's that they accept killing. It is, of course, the killing of children through abortion, which atheists almost unanimously support. Those atheists who do not defend this cause are rare.

Why then do atheists accept the killing of children? To this they may of course argue that a child in the womb is not equivalent to a human being, but how do they justify this? At least it has no scientific basis, because the fetus is not only a part of the mother’s body, but a human individual growing in the mother's womb. For...

"in abortion, it is not only a question of the mother's body, but also the body and spirit of another person, the child. The fetus is a new individual from the beginning of its life, which has received genetic motifs from both the father and the mother. It is not part of its mother's body at any stage of its development. It has own body, own closed blood circulation, own heart beat rhythm, own blood group characteristics that can cause immune reactions in the mother, own brain wave structure." (2)

In addition, it is known that the unborn child looks very similar to the child that relatives and friends see for the first time. Only the size is smaller, but the aborted fetus has the same body parts as the born babies: hands, feet, mouth, nose, eyes (See You tube video: Äänetön huuto). Based on this as well, it is a normal child. A gynecologist who knows what happens in an abortion says:

You can't have an abortion with your eyes closed. You have to make sure that everything comes out of the womb and calculate that there will be enough arms and legs, chest and brain. Then when the patient wakes up from anesthesia and asks if it was a girl or a boy, the limit of my endurance has been reached and that's when I usually walk away. - If I do a procedure where I clearly kill a living being, I think it's nonsense to talk about destroying a budding life. It is killing, and I experience it as killing.”(3)

Although atheists may present themselves as progressive, moderate and tolerant, they act in this matter quite the opposite. They accept the killing of innocents. What they are doing is exactly the same thing that the Canaanites were guilty of, killing children. These burned their children in the fire. It raised the wrath of God against this nation:

- (Deut 12:31) You shall not do so to the LORD your God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hates, have they done to their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

THE GOODNESS OF GOD. It was stated above how the Christian image of God is the target of atheist attacks. They do not consider God to be good and just and therefore reject God.

But how is it? Is God good or what is he like? In this matter, you should pay attention to the following basic issues. They suggest that God really is a good God:

God created everything for good. The first starting point for God's goodness is that he created for the good of creation. Everything was initially good and perfect, so that the initial state is described as paradise-like. The creation was surrounded with peace and there was harmony among animals, between humans and animals, and between God and humans. Nor was man subject to death. God made everything good and that is proof of God's goodness. This was the initial state in which people lived:

- (Gen 1:31) And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good…

Many may immediately ask, where did the problems of today's world come from, if God created everything for good. However, there is a simple answer to this: there has been a rebellion in creation and that is the cause of evil and suffering. As a result of the Fall, bad things came into the world. The perfect initial state turned into imperfection. This is the teaching of the Book of Genesis and the same topic has also been told in the traditions of some nations. They also describe the paradise-like initial state and the Fall after it. We now live in a world that isn’t the same as how it was initially created to be.

God's goodness, perfection and holiness. One starting point for understanding God's nature is the verses related to His goodness, holiness and perfection. The teaching in both the Old and New Testaments is that God is good. Evil is not part of his nature, but he is exclusively good and never evil:

- (Matt 5:48) Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

- (1 John 1:5) This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

- (James 1:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no ficklenss, neither shadow of turning.

- (Matt 7:11) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

- (Ps 118:1) O give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endures for ever.

- (1 Peter 1:15,16) But as he which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written, Be you holy; for I am holy.

- (Isa 45:21) Tell you, and bring them near; yes, let them take counsel together: who has declared this from ancient time? who has told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me.

God's goodness is also manifested in the way that He calls people to repentance. People often choose wrong and evil, but God calls us to a change of heart in relation to these things. This is a common teaching throughout the Bible and it appears in thousands of verses. If God wasn't good and holy, he certainly wouldn't act like this. In fact, only a God who is negative and opposed to evil can be good:

- (Rom 2:4) Or despise you the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

- (Isa 61:8) For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

- (Acts 17:30) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent:

- (Eze 18:23,32) Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? said the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, said the Lord GOD: why turn yourselves, and live you.

- (Rev 2:15,16, 3:3) So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

16 Repent; or else I will come to you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come on you.

- (Luke 15:7-10) I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, does not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.

Jesus, the image of God. As stated, atheists fight against God. They don't believe in the existence of God, or they claim that God cannot be good. This claim often appears in the works of atheist writers.

However, it is important to note that Jesus is the perfect image of God. The Father was in him and he was in the Father. As Jesus was, so is God in heaven, as the following verses show. These two things cannot be separated.

- (John 14:5-11) Thomas said to him, Lord, we know not where you go; and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.

7 If you had known me, you should have known my Father also: and from now on you know him, and have seen him.

8 Philip said to him, Lord, show us the Father, and it suffises us.

9 Jesus said to him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known me, Philip? he that has seen me has seen the Father; and how say you then, Show us the Father?

10 Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak to you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me, he does the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

- (2 Cor 5:19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

- (Hebr 1:1-3) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,

2 Has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

If Jesus is the perfect image of God, then was Jesus good? Was he sinless and loving? Yes, this is exactly what the New Testament teaches. The apostles themselves considered themselves imperfect and lacking (Romans 7:18-24 etc.), but they considered Jesus sinless and good. The enemies of the apostles generally agreed, so that also points to the goodness of Jesus. So if Jesus, the perfect image of God, is good, God must be good too. These things go hand in hand. First the words of Jesus on Himself, then the comments of the disciples and others on the same matter:

- (John 8:28-30) Then said Jesus to them, When you have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father has taught me, I speak these things.

29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father has not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

30 As he spoke these words, many believed on him.

- (John 8:45-47) And because I tell you the truth, you believe me not.

46 Which of you convinces me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do you not believe me?

47 He that is of God hears God's words: you therefore hear them not, because you are not of God.

The disciples

- (Hebr 4:15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

- (1 Peter 2:21,22) For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

- (1 John 3:5) And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Others

- (Matt 22:16-18) And they sent out to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God in truth, neither care you for any man: for you regard not the person of men.

17 Tell us therefore, What think you? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt you me, you hypocrites?

- (Matt 27:3-5) Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see you to that.

5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

- (Matt 27:17-19) Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, Whom will you that I release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have you nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

- (Luke 23:39-41) And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If you be Christ, save yourself and us.

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Do not you fear God, seeing you are in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man has done nothing amiss.

- (Luke 23:46,47) And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into your hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

- (John 18:37,38) Pilate therefore said to him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice.

38 Pilate said to him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I find in him no fault at all.

The greatest commandment refers to what is most important to God. He wants two things: that we have a loving and intimate relationship with Him, and that we also have a loving attitude towards our neighbors. These words of the double commandment of love show most clearly our own shortcomings. We are far from perfect. However, they also point to God's goodness. For him, love that manifests itself, not only in words, but also in practical life, is important. If he is a malevolent God, as atheists have posited, why are we told to love our neighbors and also love God:

- (Matt 22:35-40) Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like to it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Changed lives and a call to good deeds. One proof of God's goodness is that He changes people. Terrorists, criminals and other wrongdoers are able to stop wrongdoing others when they come to God. A good example is also Paul's changed life. He used to be hateful and cruel, but he changed when he came into contact with God and Jesus Christ. Among other things, the following verses describe his inner life and his love for others. It is true that such profound changes are rare, but nevertheless possible:

- (2 Cor 12:14,15) Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your’s but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

- (2 Cor 2:3,4) And I wrote this same to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly to you.

- (Rom 9:1-3) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

- (2 Tim 3:10,11) But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience,

11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

- (Phil 3:17) Brothers, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an ensample.

God's goodness is also proven by the fact that the apostles, after meeting God and Jesus, strongly emphasized the importance of good deeds. If God and Jesus is malevolent such as atheists claim, why did the apostles who were in contact with Jesus urge to act like this? There is an obvious contradiction here, or are the atheists mistaken after all? The call to goodness and good deeds appears in numerous verses:

- (Rom 12:9,17,21) Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; hold to that which is good.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

- (Rom 16:19) For your obedience is come abroad to all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise to that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

- (2 Cor 8:21) Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

- (2 Cor 13:7) Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

- (Gal 6:9,10) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith.

- (Phil 4:8) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

- (1 Thess 5:15) See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

- (Tit 3:8) This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

- (Tit 3:14) And let our’s also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

- (3 John 1:11) Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen God.

God's good will towards people. One proof of God's goodness is that He has good will and love for people. He came to earth in Jesus Christ and reconciled us to himself so that everyone willing can have their sins forgiven. In other words, God Himself came to earth, suffered human opposition, mockery, and finally death on the cross to bring us to Himself. He was not an indifferent God, but a God who has cared and cares for us as the following verses show:

- (Luke 2:13,14) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

- (John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

- (1 John 4:9,10) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

- (Tit 3:4,5) But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

- (2 Cor 5:19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be you reconciled to God.

So what is the reason that God has acted in the previous way? There is a simple answer and reason: love is part of His being and therefore he cannot act otherwise. John and Paul wrote:

- (1 John 4:8,16) He that loves not knows not God; for God is love.

16 And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.

- (2 Cor 13:11) Finally, brothers, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

EVILNESS AND SUFFERING IN THE WORLD. When I was an atheist myself, one of my most important justifications for my atheist outlook on life was evilness and suffering in the world. I thought God couldn't exist because there are so many bad things in the world. I saw this as a reasonable justification for my disbelief in the existence of God.

Modern atheists still use the same arguments. They claim that God cannot exist or at least cannot be good because of the evil and suffering in the world. Furthermore, they may explain that if God is loving, He cannot judge and send any person to hell. We will briefly explore these areas.

Does evilness in the world prove that God is not good? As stated, atheists use evil as proof that God does not exist, or that He can’t be good. I myself used the same argument before.

However, it is important to note that evil does not come from God, but it originated from rebellion in God's creation. It happened first in the angelic world and then on earth through the fall of man. The latter event was referred to by e.g. Paul in Romans:

- (Rom 5:12) Why, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed on all men, for that all have sinned:

So evil does not come from God, but the creatures created by God were guilty of it. God consciously created beings who can make independent choices and influence their future. He did not create robots that just repeat what they are meant to do, but independent beings. Or if God had made us different, we would no longer be human. We would be machines like robots.

Of course, one can ask why God has not removed evil from the world. Why has He left the world in this state?

However, if God were to remove evil from the world, He would also remove us, because evil resides in us. There wouldn't be any people left here, but the country would be a desolate place. Then not only wars and gross evils would end, but also our selfish thoughts, anger, pride and other negative traits that we now carry with us. If God removed the evil right there and did a perfect job, there would be nothing left of us.

However, there is a solution to the problem of evil: we must repent, that is, give up our wrongdoing. We cannot completely get rid of sin during this life, but repenting instantly stops the gross and evil wrongs towards others. It is God's model for us today. Everyone can choose for himself whether he follows this principle:

- (Matt 3:1,2) In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

2 And saying, Repent you: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

- (Matt 4:17) From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

- (Luke 15:7) I say to you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

- (Acts 17:30) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent:

- (Acts 26:19,20) Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision:

20 But showed first to them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Does suffering in the world prove that God is not good? When it comes to suffering in the world, not all of it is due to human evil. The cause of suffering can also be traffic accidents, hunger, diseases and natural disasters. They cause suffering to many. However, people themselves may have had an influence on these things as well, as the following examples show:

• Traffic accidents are caused by people themselves. Man has built cars, trains and airplanes that can have an accident, not God. Often, accidents are also caused by indifference to the safety of others or other negligence.

• Hunger is a similar thing. It would be possible to remove it from the world if we had good will. There is enough food in the world for everyone, but our selfishness prevents us from working for others.

• Diseases may be caused by our wrong lifestyles such as wrong eating habits, smoking, inactivity or many sex relationships (infectious diseases such as AIDS). If we followed healthy lifestyles and used common sense, we could avoid most diseases and infectious diseases.

• Natural disasters can also be related to human activities. For example, climate change is something that is believed to be caused by fossil fuels used by humans.

What about earthquakes? They certainly cannot be avoided, but their effect can be mitigated. If you avoid building in earthquake areas or build earthquake-resistant houses, the consequences of earthquakes will be milder than they are now.

So what is the Bible's answer to suffering? According to it, suffering and death are the result of the fall, but only a temporary state. God, who is truly a good God, will at some point completely remove the consequences of the Fall so that there will be no more sickness, death, suffering or any lack. So far this has not happened, but it has been promised that it will happen. Let's look at related verses:

- (Rom 8:20-23) For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected the same in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

- (1 Cor 15:26) The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

- (2 Peter 3:13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.

- (Rev 21:1-6) And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

6 And he said to me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him that is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life freely.

- (Rev 22:1-5) And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

2 In the middle of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bore twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

GOD TAKES SIN SERIOUSLY. When arguments have been made against belief in God, two things have often been called into question: judgment after this life and eternal hell. It is not believed that God judges any person for his actions. It is also not believed that a loving and good God can send any person to hell. Especially in Western society, these fundamentals of the Christian faith have been questioned more and more.

Justice of the sentence. When it comes to a judgment after this life, it is important to emphasize that in it the same principle as in a secular court is implemented. For in general, all societies have a judicial system whose tasks include bringing murderers, criminals and other wrongdoers to account for their actions. Physical and sexual violence, theft, fraud and embezzlement are common criminal reasons for which a sentence can be passed. This has been a common practice in all societies throughout the centuries. If the judiciary works correctly – it hasn't always worked – it stays within these frameworks.

On the other hand, if there is a secular justice system whose duties include bringing murderers, criminals and other wrongdoers to account for their actions, why is it hard to believe in the idea that there is a judgment after this life as well? Judgment after death is no more strange than the fact that people answer for their wrongdoings in an earthly court. Either way, the model follows the same principle, so there's good reason to take the idea of a posthumous day of reckoning seriously. God will then make people answer for their actions just as it happens now in the secular judiciary. Everyone has to account for how they have lived and treated others. Everyone reaps what he sows.

- (Rom 14:12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

- (Hebr 9:27) And as it is appointed to men once to die, but after this the judgment:

- (Gal 6:7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.

Only a God opposed to evil can be good. Richard Dawkins has written in his book The God Delusion (p. 285) that “Christianity is only focused on sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin, sin. How is it that this little measly concern can take over the mind and take a hold of one’s life.”

However, Dawkins is fundamentally mistaken. Isn't sin precisely the most difficult problem in the world? It is the cause of tyranny, genocides, murders, thefts and crimes, wars, sexual abuse, domestic violence, family breakdowns, tax evasion and injustice in the world. If we downplay the importance of sin, we are seriously misled.

However, God is serious about sin. He is a good God who hates all injustice and wickedness. Or if He were not a God who hates and opposes evil, how could such a God be considered good? A God who is indifferent and accepts evil cannot be good. God's anger against injustice is evident in e.g. in the following verses:

- (Jer 21:12, 22:3-5) O house of David, thus said the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

3 Thus said the LORD; Execute you judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.

4 For if you do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people.

5 But if you will not hear these words, I swear by myself, said the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.

- (Rom 1:18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

- (Rom 2:4-8) Or despise you the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

5 But after your hardness and impenitent heart treasure up to yourself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life:

8 But to them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

- (Rom 3:5,6) But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who takes vengeance? I speak as a man

6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

- (Ef 5:6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God on the children of disobedience.

- (Col 3:5,6) Mortify therefore your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience:

From here it is good to move on to the idea of judgment. When some argue that God is not fair when He judges every person after this life, those who make this argument actually have an evil God. For if God said, "It does not matter what you do," he would approve of all the wrongs of dictators and other wrongdoers. He would be like a judge who does not enforce the law but accepts all evil: murders, crimes, injustices, lies, cheating on the spouse, etc. Aril Edvardsen has explained this topic while discussing it with a person;

I let him speak and I didn’t say a word back. “Well, maybe I believe that there is a Creator”, he continued. “But I cannot believe in a loving and righteous God, when the Bible says that there is hell and judgement day.”

Do you think so? I said. ”I think the complete opposite. I could not believe in a loving and righteous God if that, what you call hell, wouldn’t exist – a final settlement day for people, when everyone must account for what they have done in this life, the good and the bad.

He looked at me in confusion and said: “You cannot be serious!”

“Yes I am!” I replied. ”I mean exactly what I said. If tyrants, dictators, terrorists and bad people, who have tortured and destroyed others in this life, wouldn’t have to pay and settle for their actions sooner or later, then I couldn’t believe that a righteous God exists.” The doctor looked at me in astonishment and I continued: “Think about Adolf Hitler and Adolf Eichmann, who tortured and killed millions of people in concentration camps – all the while living a luxurious life style during the Second World War. Would they get away with it just like that – getting shot in the head and getting hanged? The whole thing would be over in a matter of seconds and then nothing, while many ordinary people in this town die with much worse suffering than those two – like cancer and other diseases.

Would Hitler and Eichmann get off more easily from the world than others – and after death there wouldn’t be anything? Not any kind of reckoning? …No, then I couldn’t believe in a loving and righteous God.”

“Please continue”, he said and I did:

“The Bible says that God is both loving and righteous, and that is why judgement day will come to us all, and then all of us must account for ourselves. Then wrongful people get their doom and those, who unjustly suffered, get their amends.

The whole human life, death and eternity would be completely without a purpose if people wouldn’t believe in judgement day, the day of justice.”

The district doctor sat silent and listened. All of a sudden he looked at me as if he had come up with something entirely new.

“You are absolutely right!” He exclaimed. “I haven’t thought of this before. That is logical. You are totally right, sure enough. Life here on Earth is often tough and unfair for many. People’s lives will get destroyed and the cruelty of other people causes harm as much in marriages, families, work places, refugee camps as in battle fields.

If you wouldn’t have to pay for what you’ve done in this life – for all that humans have done, good and bad – then there really couldn’t be a loving and righteous God. I must think about this!” he mumbled. (4)

ACCESS TO CONNECTION WITH GOD

- (Acts 17:22-31) Then Paul stood in the middle of Mars’ hill, and said, You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious.

23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him declare I to you.

24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things;

26 And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

29 For as much then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like to gold, or silver, or stone, graven by are and man’s device.

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent:

31 Because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.

Two misconceptions about God have been discussed above:

1) He is not the malevolent God portrayed by atheists

2) He is also not an imaginary god who does not react to evil and who does not judge people for their iniquities. Instead, He is a good God who hates injustice and does not give evil the last word.

So how can we get in touch with God? We ourselves have selfish thoughts, desires, and we notice every day that we are far from perfection. Do we have hope?

However, God's love will help with this. God doesn't actually want us to be separated from Him and go to hell. Instead, he loves people and wants them to be with Him. That is why the Son of God, Jesus Christ came to earth. He came and took all our sins and evil deeds to the cross, so that they are no longer an obstacle to access to God. He came so that we could have our sins forgiven. According to the Bible, God was in Jesus Christ and thus reconciled the world to himself:

- (2 Cor 5:19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be you reconciled to God.

The basic starting point in the previous verses is that God Himself has prepared everything for us through Jesus Christ. He has made it possible for every person to have their sins forgiven and eternal life. It does not require our own efforts and merits, but everyone can receive eternal life by grace. It is a gift from God. Don't reject this gift!

- (Eph 2:8-9) For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

- (Rom 3:24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

- (Rev 21:6) And he said to me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him that is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life freely.

- (Rev 22:17) And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Our part. If a person wants to receive salvation as a gift, then what is his portion? In this matter, it is worth paying attention to two points:

Repentance. When it was stated that God does not accept iniquity, it is clear that unrepentant people do not enter into God's communion, but only those who repent of their sins. Or if God accepted an impenitent person, how could he be good? Therefore, repentance, in which a person turns to God and confesses to God the sins that come to his mind, is connected to access to God's communion. Here we act like the prodigal son in Jesus' parable. He turned to his father and was forgiven for everything:

- (Luke 15:17-20) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you,

19 And am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of your hired servants.

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

- (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

- (Prov 28:13) He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

Only through His gift.

- (Rom 3:9) What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

- (Rom 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

- (Gal 3:22) But the scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

When it was stated that eternal life is given as a gift through the Son of God, Jesus Christ, this is indeed the case. Only God's act of atoning for our sins on the cross can last into eternity. We the people - also the so-called kind people - we are so lacking before God that we cannot meet his measure. Therefore, we must rely on Jesus Christ, through whom our sins have already been atoned for. Jesus himself said:

- (John 14:6) Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.

- (John 5:39,40) Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

40 And you will not come to me, that you might have life.

Therefore, if you want to get in touch with God, turn to Jesus Christ in prayer, because He is the only way to get in touch with God. Tell Him your sin and that you want to surrender your life to Him and to God. You can pray, for example, in the following way:

The prayer of salvation: Lord, Jesus, I turn to You. I confess that I have sinned against You and have not lived according to Your will. However, I want to turn away from my sins and follow You with all my heart. I also believe that my sins have been forgiven through Your atonement and I have received eternal life through You. I thank You for the salvation that You have given me. Amen.

References:

1. C.S. Lewis: Tätä on kristinusko (Mere Christianity), p. 44,45

2. Michael Harry, Ulla Järvilehto, Markus J. Viljanen: Anna lapsen elää, p. 23

3. Suomen kuvalehti, n:o 15, 10.4.1970

4. Aril Edvardsen: Rakkauden terapia (Kjaerlighetens Terapi), p. 68-70