DENMARK

"Something is rotten in Denmark." This famous line from Shakespeare's Hamlet was not intended to be a theological statement. The palace guard said this after the ghost of the dead king appeared walking on the palace walls. But it has become a phrase to describe a situation in which something is wrong. After a couple days in Copenhagen, it seems this statement "fits" in a theological sense.


Denmark is more than excellent pastries and dynamic design. This modern, progressive country is the epitome of postmodernism. Less than 2% of the population go to church of any kind. The statistic is that "high" because the majority of those attending church are immigrants. Danes have long ago left the Lutheran church except as an expression of their culture.


This church building is a museum.


Joan and I are spending a couple of days in Denmark, trying to understand the country and spiritual needs. The "Mission Handbook" which lists all North American missionaries and agencies in the various countries around the world, list 9 missionaries in Denmark. After meeting with local church leaders, it is obvious that there is a huge need for church planting and strengthening. The going is tough. There have been numerous attempts at church planting and ministry in the country that have failed. Few churches are growing. Many are faltering. But perhaps BMW will be part of the solution to the spiritual needs of this country. The positive side of postmodernism is that there is a renewed interest in "spirituality." Not necessarily in Christianity. But in things spiritual. That is at least a step away from agnosticism, atheism and apathy that has characterized things here for several generations. Maybe this is going to be an opportune time in history. Could it be that things are coming full circle and the population is ready for a new wave of Christianity?

We are heading back to Atlanta on Wednesday.