Engaging Culture

In what is my first experience living in another county I've encountered difficulties relating to two cultural barriers thus far: Language and the everyday rhythm of life here. (I did spend some time in the Middle East in 2005 as a Marine but in a totally different role in which I was by no means trying to assimilate into the culture the way I am in Norway.) Experiencing these barriers is both difficult and interesting at the same time. I find myself frustrated at my inability to communicate, which has a direct bearing on my ability to learn and understand the Norwegian culture. Most Norwegians speak English quite well and they often converse with me in English, but in many conversations that I've had, there is relational disconnect, more so without the older generations than the younger. In fact, most young Norwegians probably speak more grammatically correct English than myself. However, I think expressing oneself in a language other than one's primary language is quite difficult. While I've only been in Norway for two and a half weeks, I am experiencing impatience to bridge the language and culture gaps and begin understanding the spiritual landscape of this new place that I now live. A quick tangent...yesterday I tried to order coffee in Norwegian and the girl taking my order spoke back to me in English. I laughed and asked her if it was that obvious I didn't know Norwegian and I told her I was trying to learn so she switched back to Norwegian. So, at this point, even when I try to speak the language, I don't speak the language.

Currently, we are living in a small town in an apartment at a hotel/Christian retreat center, that Hanne's aunt runs, next to a very traditional Lutheran state-church. And, of course, this church is filled with some families and mostly the older generation of the town. It's an amazing building with amazing history (see previous post) and an enjoyable place to be. When I am there, however, I find myself asking what this church's engagement with the other townspeople is (I have a lot of time to think there since the services are in Norwegian). In addition to the church, there is a Hindu temple and Norse temple, which we plan on visiting soon.

In contrast to Hedalen, where we live, I find a different spiritual landscape in Oslo, the capital of Norway. We've spent the last few days in Oslo and I have not observed any indications of spiritual communities here. This is definitely not to say that they are not here, I simply have not seen any during my short stay, however, I have plans to visit a faith community Saturday afternoon.

In order for me to understand the spiritual landscape holistically, I must first learn the language and understand the culture. It will take time and I definitely feel God teaching me humility and patience in the process.

As a follower of Jesus, the spirituality that I seek to bring to the people that I encounter is one of love. I believe that everything extends from love (honesty, respect, generosity, etc.).   I want to engage the traditional form of Christianity (like the one I experience in Hedalen) in conversation about different expressions of the faith, expressions of love that may not look like the traditional church. I also want to express this love to people outside faith communities introducing them to the radical love that Jesus has for all of his creation and begin to explore how this might look like and be relevant to the younger generations in Norway...and I don't think this looks like 'church' in the traditional use of the word.