Author: Leif O

Individual men and women in politics scare me. Haven’t we learned anything from decades of fascism, national socialism, terrorism, and communism? Haven’t we learned anything from the millions sent to death camps and gulags? We want our countries to prosper, yes, but electing monsters for office is not the way to go.

A wise French initiative once stated that “Men are born and remain free and equal in rights.” Let’s continue that proud tradition instead of elected officials who only consider the color of a man’s skin merit.

The state of the world is not as sad as you might expect. Sure, we have a long way before we can live a sustainable and peaceful life on this planet, but the fact is we live in the best of times despite the terror, wars and climate change. That being said, I’m acutely aware of all the challenges ahead. We live on a precious planet, surrounded by an infinite universe. As far as we know, we’re still alone in this vastness. We live here on planet Earth by God’s grace alone, and we better start taking better care of our home.

We need to put our petty differences aside and deal with the pressing issues at hand. We need a tolerant, united world to deal with the challenges ahead.

Is national or religious pride worth more than the planet we all come home? I’m not saying cultural pride is wrong; I’m just saying that we need to put the welfare of humanity and our precious planet first.

It makes no difference whether you’re an Atheist, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu or Muslim. It makes no difference whether the color of your skin is black, red, white or yellow. We have one planet. It’s time to grow up and start acting as we care. If not for ourselves, then in honor of our ancestor’s history on this planet, and for the future of our children and grandchildren.

By these ideas, I will now promote a new vision for the Kingdom of Unixploria. It will be based on ecological awareness and the common good of planet Earth. My vision entails small (micro) and large (macro) nations all working together to solve our problems in a mutual understanding of prioritizing global challenges instead of just looking within our boarders for answers.

The Kingdom of Unixploria is up for the challenge. Are you?

Why do some people insist on using harsh, hateful comments, thus attacking the Christian faith? The bottom line is they hate because the world can’t handle absolutes. There are such things as right and wrong, but it takes too much effort to do the right thing for people. It is far easier to do things you feel like doing, regardless of whether they’re right or not in the eyes of God. Also, to all the atheists: if there is no purpose, not ethical guidelines to live by, then why even strive to better this world?

Today we celebrate the joyous event that took place after Christ’s resurrection. The disciples met Christ and gained renewed strength through that meeting, as well as through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Looking back historically, I find myself being part of a long line of Christians. I cannot tell for sure when the first of my ancestors left the pagan Norse faith of Ásatrú for a life in Christ.

I do know that some of them must have clung to the old ways well into the Middle Ages, perhaps even longer. I also know that they too celebrated on this very day, but for varied reasons. Our Easter Monday was Spring Blút in the times of my Viking ancestors. They made offerings on this day, giving food, mead and material objects to oblige their pagan gods. I don’t have to offer my God anything but my sincere will to believe in my Savior’s unconditional love. That love changes me. One small step at a time I’m becoming a new man, a born-again Christian.

I’m thankful for being a Christian, but I also feel thankfulness to that very first ancestor of mine who (hopefully out of own free will) got baptized and followed the Christian faith. It’s because of him or her I wear a cross around my neck instead of Mjölnir (Thor’s hammer).

May God bless you, dear ancestor, for taking the path of light in which I now humbly try to follow.

The election in Turkey is a sad event for all thinking people. Erdogan’s dictatorship will lead Turkey further into Medieval times (religiously and culturally speaking). The intellectuals that are not already in exile are packing their bags as we speak. If the upcoming election in France follows the same fascist pattern, then we’re all in trouble.

A powerful message was delivered from a Coptic priest who just witnessed his congregation being massacred. It proves that hate will never be an option for a Christian. God bless the Coptic Church of Egypt, and God bless all the prosecuted Christians all over the world.

“If I speak in the tongues of men or angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but does not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hope, always perseveres.” Corinthians 13: 1-7

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23: 34

So, it begins. The request to have another referendum for Scottish independence just passed the parliament in Edinburgh. Will Prime minister May and the Queen’s parliament in London grant Sturgeon’s request?

Most Europeans will welcome Scotland into the European Union with open arms! Perhaps it will even boost the Scottish economy, with several new companies setting up offices and factories inside a country in the British Isles that is a member of the single market?

Hank Hanegraaff announced that he has chosen to convert to Greek Orthodoxy after being part of the Evangelical denomination for decades. I listen to him on a regular basis, and I believe he has a vast knowledge of the Scriptures and gives good advice on matters of the faith. I can’t understand why people are saying that “he’s no longer a Christian” or “he has left the true faith.” I have no objections whatsoever if he wants to belong to an Orthodox congregation. We are all Christians, no matter what denomination you choose. May God bless you, Hank.

The witch is a universal symbol during Easter celebrations in Scandinavia, as well as in Unixploria. Why witches on a Christian holiday, you might ask. The answer is that many of our costumes derive from pagan, historical folklore mixed with Christian traditions. The witches were believed to meet the devil on Maundy Thursday. To get to the gathering at Blåkulla/Blockula in Gotland, Sweden, the witches traveled using a magic broomstick.

Blockula plays a significant part in the witch-hunts described in Joseph Glanvill’s work, Sadducismus Triumphatus (1682). This book detailed Blockula in an Appendix entitled: ‘True Account of What Happened in the Kingdom of Sweden In the Years 1669, 1670, and upwards: About some Persons that were accused of Witches; and Tried and Executed By the King’s Command.’

Why pack my bags and visit foreign shores when I have everything I need right here in the Great Kingdom of Unixploria. I have a fantastic nature around the corner. I have pets that give me unconditional love. I have an extensive, diverse library to spark my curiosity. I have museums that are repositories of beauty and thought. I have delicious food and tasty beverages. I have a movie theater with an endless supply of fictional escapes. I have a beautiful woman who shares my life. We have children of our own, soon to be grown men themselves. I have my loving family around me. I have God’s comfort. I have peace and tranquility. What more could a man ask for? I have found paradise on earth. Why keep searching for something that is right before me?