Tomorrow is a hallowed day in human history – Norwegian Independence Day. Yes, that’s right. In 1863 (approximately) in a peaceful disconnection, Norway gained their independence from their oppressors – Sweden.
Having lived in Norway for some years, I always feel a bit of a disconnect on May 17. I am ethnically Swedish, but I have lived in Norway, I love Norway and the Norwegian people deeply – Janie and I started a church in Oslo which has gone on to start numbers of other churches, blah blah. But boy those Swedes – they were bloodthirsty in their day.
Norway is a lot like Mayberry. The king of Norway holds a symbolic post – kind of like Andy Griffith – his son is the prince – he is a lot like Barney – with no bullets – just starter blanks.
I see the future for Scandinavia – it is an “in your face” place spiritually. There is no air of false spirituality in any of the four countries of Scandinavia. They are a step or two beyond the UK actually but wealthier for the common person and a wider, larger view of life than the UK.
If authors out there want to figure out where things are headed spiritually – move to Scandinavia for six months – travel about, meet lots of people, drink coffee, rub shoulders and meet the future of the rest of the Planet now. I saw what is happening in the U.S. in the mid-seventies when living there.
