Opposing views

There’s a major dispute going on in Church of Norway right now concerning the Biblical interpretation and understanding of gay and lesbian relationships and their rights for positions of leadership in the Church. The Church of Norway doctrinal commission (“Lærenemnda”), which consists of the bishops, theological experts and lay members, was split exactly in the middle with 10 votes against and 10 votes in favor of lifelong homosexual relationships and gay clergy. Two of the bishops (Finn Wagle and Laila Riksaasen Dahl) have changed their view on the matter (from no to yes) during the work in the commission. All commission members agreed that the disagreement should not split the church in the sense that they would no longer be able to celebrate the Eucharist together, but they all agreed that the disagreement strains the unity of the Church of Norway.

It’ll be interesting to follow the debate and it’s going to be difficult. It’s always difficult when different worldviews and interpretations collide. For both sides in this dispute there’s a lot on stake, and for some it’s about their view of God, the truth, their own lives and the future for themselves and the Church.

I believe we are challenged to listen; Listen for the Spirit, listen to the Word, listen to our hearts, listen to our own lives and experiences, listen to the people with opposing views and let ourselves be guided to an understanding. When we find answers I believe we are to stand for what we believe, but we have to do it in a spirit of love and humility. It’s not easy, because our (my) understanding of God and theology feels so universal and true. At times I’ve been amazed by a few theological conversations where I’ve felt that I don’t share the views of the person I’m talking to, and where we’ve been convinced of our opposing views. At the same time we’ve discussed the matters in a respectful and listening mood. Sometimes, I’ve been walking away from those conversations with a feeling that God has been there, and I’ve been encouraged in my faith and love for God. Through our opposing views we’ve felt a presence of a person we both love and want to listen to, and through our conversation we have (in spite of opposing views) experienced God’s love for us. Maybe we’ll find truth when we search for it by standing for our understanding while we listen and search for the truth together with others?

It's my birthday!

A fish I met in the restaurant yesterday. Is he/she looking at an old man?

The old man at his birthday




Once more I'm celebrating my birthday. Later today, I'm going to a party with my family. That'll be fun!
Yesterday I was out with a couple of friends and we talked about getting older. We all agreed that it feels a little weird. Inside we're the same persons, but when we look in the mirror - or we think of our age it feels strange and unfamiliar. Who is this person that suddenly is a grown-up man? I'm still the same inside I guess. Only a little more confident and secure - but looking older on the outside. Looking at the outside i realize that this life is short, incredibly short. I remember my Grandmother's sister always said that "it feels strange to be old". I'm starting to understand what she meant. Anyway, I do enjoy life, and I love living it. I want change in certain areas, but I'm so glad that I've come this far.

My Swedish ancestors

My great grandmother was Swedish and she was born in Dalarna in Sweden in 1877. She died long before I was born, but through photos and stories from others in my family I've managed to get a certain impression of what she was like. Now and then I've been doing some research on my family. Genealogy is interesting, and through the web I've been able to trace a lot of my family here in Norway. I've followed some of the lines back to the 16th and 17th century. I've had one line that stops with my great grandmother - my Swedish side of my family. In Norway there are some great genealogy sites at the web (and it's free), but I haven't really found anything similar in Sweden. Last year I suddenly found a photo at my mothers’ house that I realized was a photo of my Swedish great great grandmother and great great grandfather. From not knowing anything about that side of the family to suddenly look at a photo of my Swedish ancestors was a treat. I think it's a wonderful photo as well. At the backside it says Sven Loo, Mellerud. Mellerud is a little village in the Western part of Sweden. I've been there a couple of times, and I know that there's still family living there. As a tribute to my Swedish ancestors and family I hereby share this photo with the world.


Norwegianblogger's Swedish great great grandparents

Scared of 2006?

It's been a week since the fireworks marked the beginning of a new year. Is 2006 going to be a good year? For the world? For Europe? For Norway? For my family and myself? We don't know much about the future do we? I've tried to imagine my life ten years from now. Perhaps it's better not to know. We don't really know if there are good things ahead do we? What if there's not peace and happiness? What if there's war, what if there's decease, pain and sorrow? Unfortunately this is the reality for millions of people around the globe. 2006 will offer pain, war, disasters, broken families and broken lives. But life goes on; Children are born, teenagers are searching for answers, people find their soul mates and experience friendships and relationships, love, abandonment, loneliness, happiness and ultimately they die. Are we to experience these things in 2006, am I?

One year as a blogger

Just wanted to say that it's been fun, interesting and a little annoying to be present in the Kingdom of bloggers for a year. Looking back I'm not really sure where I'm headed with my blogging, but it seems to be a mix of photos, everyday blah-blah and some processing and thinking. I don't know if this site has any impact, but it's been fun for me, and I've been fortunate to hear from a couple of people along the way. Take care and enjoy 2006. You're more than welcome to visit my site again, and to comment - if you want to!

New Year's in London

London New Year's Eve 2005 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)


New Year's Eve Celebrations in London 2005 - 2006 (Photo: Norwegianblogger)

Every time I'm in London I love the city a little bit more. I've been in London this weekend with a friend and had a great time! To sum it all up: Two plays: Otherwise engaged with Richard E. Grant and Epiphany for George Dillon with Joseph Fiennes, two museums: Tate Modern and National Gallery, London Walks excursion to Canterbury and Leeds Castle (including Evensong in Canterbury Cathedral), New Year's celebration at Westminster Bridge with fireworks, Big Ben and thousands of people from different parts of the globe, a lot of walking and talking, a LITTLE shopping, but most of all: Taking in the spirit of the wonderful, international city of London!