Charlotte Rørth, a Danish reporter, author, and speaker, had never been religious or spiritually minded.
So when the Son of God appeared before her in a church vestry in the Spanish town of Úbeda and spoke—not once, but twice—it was a shocking and unexpected experience.
These experiences caused turmoil in Rørth’s physical and mental state, challenging her rationalism and shaking the foundation of her science-based worldview. It led her on a quest that inspired her debut memoir, I Met Jesus—Confessions of a Reluctant Believer, which remained on the bestseller list in Denmark for over a year.
I met with Charlotte to learn more about her transformation. In this blog, I will share some highlights from the conversation. Have a good read!
This interview has been translated from Danish to English, and it’s been lightly edited.
Three takeaways from the Conversation
Explaining indifference
Me: Some people feel Christianity is irrelevant today, especially in Nordic countries. Can you explain why that might be?
Charlotte Rørth: Today, people are seeking essential spirituality. They are skeptical of Christianity as an institution and need us to express our beliefs rather than tell them what they should think.
Many preachers are desperately searching for new methods to preach, but their efforts are in vain if they do not address what people genuinely long for.
People today do not want faith forced upon them. They are resistant to a top-down approach of telling them what to believe. We must honestly share our experiences and explain what Jesus means to us. If people trust us, they may become curious. I immerse myself in the Acts of the Apostles and stay as close to Jesus as possible. By doing so, I find common ground among all churches.
Churches should be more curious about and attentive to people’s needs and desires rather than dictating what they should seek.
The population has a solid spiritual quest, but many do not find what they seek in churches. So, they seek authenticity and presence elsewhere.
I believe this is the weakest aspect of the Lutheran-Evangelical church: spirituality. People want silence, contemplation, and sincerity, but do not find it in churches. It is absurd, and that is one reason why people are leaving.
Talking about solutions
Me: Now that you have identified the problem, do you have any suggestions for solutions?
CR: Yes, some churches have already begun offering solutions, such as pilgrimages, open churches, retreats, and trips.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider the language used. While preserving the church’s terminology and traditions is essential, we must continually translate it into everyday language.
Unfortunately, I have encountered priests who speak one way in casual conversations but become formal and distant when discussing religion. That approach does not resonate well with people.
Christianity's main "selling point" to contemporary culture
Me: What is Christianity’s most compelling aspect? What sets it apart from other belief systems?
CR: It is the idea that you are loved unconditionally. You are loved simply because you exist. I have witnessed how much of a difference this belief can make in people’s lives. Humans do not determine our worth; it is entirely up to God.
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How about that, my friends?
Have a great rest of the week, and I get back next Wednesday 😀
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