Travel: Oslo 3

Every day should begin with a ferry ride…

I made my way across the fjord to visit the Folkenmuseum, which is a collection of buildings and artifacts from all across the time and landscape of Norway.

As with most countries, Norway also has a surprisingly violent history. Following the violence was the development of a class system. That also seems to be true for most societies.

I then wandered about the grounds looking at various buildings until I spotted in the distance the one that I had come to see. 

Did you see it just there?

That is a Stave Church. Stave (I believe) refers to the type of architecture. It has to do with the way that the cross beams are placed on top of the vertical beams. Quite remarkable.

There were a number of reasons that I came to Norway, but this is in the top two. I wanted to see this church. It was actually moved from another location, but it is an excellent example. A wooden church that has survived for 900 years. Imagine. One of the reasons that it has survived has to do with the way that the wood was “cured.”

The primary supporting beams are from old growth forest. To give you an idea as to how old the trees were…

Instead of being cut down, all the limbs are trimmed off of the pines and the sap then saturates the heart of the tree. It is then harvested and the resulting wood is far more impervious to disease, rot, and other natural decaying elements.

In the latter years, the church was Protestant, however, it began its life as a Catholic Church. Much of the ornate beauty would have been removed. (A bit more about that in a minute.)

In the woodwork, you can see much of the Norse Heritage. There is much discussion on whether or not the Viking Compass is a contemporary invention or an historic fact. After looking at this door, which is about 900 years old, I think it’s more historic than recent. 

I made my way further into the museum and came to a section dedicated to the transitions from the Roman Catholic Church to the reformation.

Commentary Warning: Whether intentional or not, I believe they pointed out the biggest problem with the verbiage on this plaque.

ALTARPIECE

HEGGEN CHURCH, BUSKERUD COUNTY.

DATED 1595. THE LEFT WING IS MISSING.

According to the teachings of Luther the only path to salvation was through God’s Word in the Bible. After the Reformation, some clergymen understood this to mean that pictoral renditions in the church could lead to idolatry and divert attention from the Scriptures. In several churches, Catholic altarpieces with depictions of saints were therefore replaced with so-called text altarpieces.

A total of 78 are known in Norway, mainly from 1580-1625.

With Luther, the practice of worshiping the “text” as God became popular. When will we begin to worship GOD?…. Thus endeth the commentary.

Another mile on the feet and I came to the Fram Museum which was the celebration of the Norwegian exploration of the polar regions.

An amazing boat…

I thought it would be something about the Vikings, but… interesting.

As I made my way back to the ferry, I came across this statue. They are remembered in Norway and I know that there were many across the world who are remembered for this time as well.

Having crossed the fjord, I went in search of a church that was open. At first, I was very discouraged, but then I found the church of Saint Olaf. It seemed to be closed, but after following a few young men who appeared to know where they were going, I came to a door that allowed me in.

I was tired, so my first three decades were basically wasted, but then I was able to focus for a while.

I embraced the foot of the cross. It was then that Jesus said to me, “Look at me. I did not endure this so that you would carry your sins forever. Look at me. You only see my death. See my humanity. See the life I lived for you. Will you waste yours? Look at me! I love you. Look at me. See all that I have given you.”

I will continue to see You!