ARETALOGIA
kaikkeen
maailmaan
Aretalogia
to the World
The being of all is far and
deep, deep, who can find it?
Aretalogia to the
World
- message of charity over land and seas
1.
Birth history of the Aretalogia.
The idea
of Aretalogia paper derives its origin from the beginning of the 1980's. That
time was mentally very hard in my home area, and in spite of prosperity and
fair chances, many young people committed suicide. I felt very sorrowful for
them, although I didn't know them personally.
I always
have support and lent a helping hand for my old, sick and poor fellowmen, but
now I didn't know how to help these lonely and heavy-hearted people. When
considering that I had a vision of editing a newspaper and delivering it in
every home in Sodankyla for nothing. At the same time I was reading a book
'Nelja evankelistaa (The four evangelists)' written by professor Aapeli
Saarisalo. He tells about wandering preachers called 'aretalog' and their
verbal or written declaration 'aretalogy' by ancient Hellenes. That was where I
got a good name for my paper.
I had no
financial resources to edit and deliver a newspaper until 1983, when I was
paralysed in a car accident and with indemnity paid by the insurance company it
was possible to realize my plans. The first number of Aretalogia came out in
November 1984. The paper was registered with a number ISSN 0782-1336 and has
then been published 4 to 6 issues per year. In the course of years both subject
matter and external appearance of Aretalogia have progressed and the paper has
aroused people's interest widely. It also has taken local as well as
far-reaching effect on discussion and acting of people.
2.
Aretalogia in the Internet.
As a
pattern in my work I have pastor Lars Levi Laestadius (1800-1861) from
Karesuando, Swedish Lapland. In the 19th century life in Lapland was very
troubled, violence and stealing being very common. As a result of Laestadius'
profound spiritual revival and ardent preaching work, people in villages mended
their ways, left off alcohol and crimes. The great and extensive social
influence of this revival movement spread out in all Finland and even abroad in
few decades.
One of the
working methods of Laestadius was editing his own paper, at first writing
articles with a goose quill and blueberry juice on a package paper. Today we
have all the technology by the aid of which we can communicate all over the
world in real time. The Internet is the way to send the message of Aretalogia
not only to people in Lapland but also to people in other continents.
As in the
19th century, also nowadays we are living in the world of disorder, atrocity,
fear and hate. To conquer the anguish, we all have to set out to progress
mentally and carry out the humanistic values. All the many religions never made
the World better but caused new tension and conflicts. In my opinion, reason
for that are conversion, mental subjection and classification of people, made
by old as well as by new religions. Only by means of individual mental progress
we can meet all nations, representing different religions, without fair and
anger. In this way we are able to respect their views and freedom and to defend
their rights. Goodness, charity, truth and rightfulness are the way to the
better World, and as a messenger of them for all nations, over land and seas, I
offer these Aretalogia pages.
Aretalogia to the
World - front page
Your opinion of article. Thank you!