Monthly Archives: April 2025

Faith in the West

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Pieter Stok

There are times, many times, when I become despondent about the Christian faith in the west. From its “me” centred individualism and rampant selfish lifestyle, to glib culturally hip media presentations replacing authentic worship, and onto its lack of cutting edge into the 21stC mindset, there is much to depress me.

On Sunday we had a breath of life. A glimpse of the past and a possibility for the future. We attended a Lutheran church in Brønnøysund on the west coast of Norway – exactly halfway between the north and south. It was Palm Sunday and the children were incorporated into the service with palm branches. They presented the congregation with songs they had learnt for the occasion. There was also a baptism. Both mother and baby were dressed in traditional costumes. The church was full and there was a clear “buzz” of joy in the congregation. There was not a data projector to be seen. Psalters were handed out. Grandchildren hugged grandparents, friends greeted each other warmly and overall, there was a warm conviviality. It was clear that Jesus was present in the songs, words and attitudes.

It was an environment that a neighbour could be invited to. When an old man using a walker came in, a person vacated their seat, another got a cushion and a still another made sure he sat down safely. “Pastoral” care was obvious.

What have we lost with the obsession for mega churches, CEO’s and business teams running churches with smooth efficiency and ice cold hearts. It is difficult in these environments to share the highs and lows of life’s journeys and to celebrate and grieve together as the family we should be.

Am I just being a grumpy old man, or have we lost something, something precious, in our modern worship practices?

Categories: Children, christian, Church | Tags: children, Christian, Church, Faith, worship | Leave a comment

Bullies and the Anti-Bully

Posted on April 12, 2025 by Pieter Stok

A friend said to me recently, “you seem to be angry all the time.” He was expressing a concern for my welfare. I acknowledged that he was right. I do have a sense of anger mixed with a large dose of sadness. An acquaintance is being bullied by the elders in her church, the leader of the world’s most powerful nation leads in a way that comes from the classic bully’s handbook. Much of our social discourse is carried on in the language of put downs, abuse, ridicule, mockery and threats – the language of the bully. Examples being given by some leaders suggests to the population as a whole, and our young in particular, that this is an appropriate way to behave.

Bullies use their strength, power, authority and influence to ensure that they get their own way. They are usually supported by a body of sycophants who bow and scrape at the bully‘s commands and do anything to be accepted.

My trust and hope lies in the word that tells me the “meek shall inherit the earth” (Matt 5:5) and the “first shall be last” (Matt 20:16).

The gospel is the ultimate irony. The example of Christ is the complete opposite of that carried on by bullies. He is the anti-bully. He put aside his position as God to become one of us. He served instead of demanding, healed instead of breaking, embraced instead of shunning. Finally he gave his life for others.

This is not just an example, it is a counter cultural way of life – a counter intuitive existence.

For Christ followers it is a challenge. I am angry! But Christ calls for a different response to the path that, innately, I want to take.

Categories: Christianity, Faith | Tags: Christianity, Faith | Leave a comment

KRISTIANSAND

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Pieter Stok

The wind was brisk, the sky sunny,and the waters blue as we entered Kristiansand harbour this morning. We ate breakfast and headed into town. Another ship 15 times the size of ours was also in town, and as we walked off our ship we encountered an avalanche of passengers, mostly from the UK on their Easter break, heading in the same direction.

In Kristiansand we encountered a delight – a free organ and piano recital at the cathedral. The acoustics were superb in the wood lined sanctuary. After an opening prayer, we were introduced to hymns and melodies of Norwegian origin. The organist also sang acapella – her voice ringing clearly. My heart was lifted up by this praise to God. One wonders if other tourists were as affected as I was. The gospel shone clearly for half an hour.

After we left, the need for the gospel was also clearly on display. As we walked through the town we encountered, what seemed like drug affected people abusing each other and those, like us, who crossed their paths.

Currently I am sitting in the lounge of our ship watching containers being loaded and unloaded. The joy of music, the tragedy of drugs – but in the harbour life goes on.