“Refrain from prejudice” was the focus of a priest’s enlightening reflection for the exchange program participants at the middle gathering. The phrase was a profound reminder on how a participant for this exchange program should perceive matters or else, the experience will all be put to vain.
Statistics says that the Swedish society has gone far from being a Christian nation since it embraced the religion in the 11th century. Proof of the said trend is the current label it bears as “the most secularized country in the world.”
But as days come to pass in this three-month exposure walk, I have gained some interesting reflections about the Swedish morality and its resemblance on how Christ has called His followers to be.
Humble. Jesus always wanted His followers to act humbly and brag not of their own achievements. This is one of the interesting points I always admire about Swedes.
If you happen to bump with one, an introduction would just mean the first name and don’t expect to hear about degree, work or previous occupation, unless you will ask. Titles are not often used in the society and I truly appreciate the practice.
Kind. Several experiences led me to conclude that Swedes are kind, even to strangers. For several times, I have asked people on the streets about directions but I never experienced being rejected. Halting a moment from a walk to help someone is a very kind act that Swedes normally do when asked about information.
Humanitarian. Sweden’s government and citizens possess a humanitarian heart for the world to avail. The presence of thousands of migrants and refugees from war-infested countries from around the world attests to how they welcome people or should we say, strangers who are actually living in the country now.
For years, Sweden has become a safe space for millions of people who were affected by war and military conflicts.
Environment Conscious. Developed countries normally lose a good and clean environment but not for Sweden. The country has maintained its vast forest lands which one can see in most parts of the country.
Love for nature and all of creation is one of the aspects that most countries, even those who call themselves Christian nations, have strongly neglected. Like for most of the said Christian nations have exploited their natural resources and caused loads of destruction to the environment through mining, deforestation and water pollution.
Swedes have the sublime love and respect for nature because they know their necessities especially water, come from it. On this part of the world, water is still abundant from a natural source and every household can avail of fresh potable water from the faucet.
Swedes express their love for nature goes beyond adoring the sun and appreciating flowers and trees. It is more shown on their way of caring for the world that God made, an indirect way of worshipping the Maker of all things.
Resemblance of Christian Values and Swedish Morality
There maybe a big percentage of the country’s population claiming about unbelief in God, a big bunch also are said to be practicing a private religion and a high number of people not attending church services and thus would lead to the common conclusion that Sweden is a highly-secularized country.
But this would not mean, they are not of high morality and this morality I am talking about has a big resemblance to how Jesus Christ, who walked on earth two thousand years ago, wanted people to live according to His Father’s will – to be humble, humane to anyone regardless of color, creed and race, kind and respectful to nature – His own handiwork.
I am not conforming to the secularized movement in the society but the purpose of this blog is to clarify and correct wrong assumptions, prejudice and exaggerations about the Swedish society and that the inactive attitude towards church does not define these people of goodwill.
Because beyond the towers, big belfries, and huge churches all over Sweden is a larger church called earth where one worships daily through actions, in helping neighbors and in respecting fellow human beings regardless color, race or creed. 
//Klein F. Emperado is one of the exchange students in the exchange programme ”Young in the World Wide Chuch” 2014. During three months he will be spending time in Sweden, sharing life, faith and every day life. Klein is a Mass Communications graduate from Silliman University, Dumaguete, Philippines and also he works as Editorial Assistant for the said university. In the exchange he represents the Philippine Independent Church/Iglesia Filipina Independiente. His line of ministry is focused mainly on Liturgy and Music for the Diocese of Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
// Klein F. Emperado är en av deltagarna i utbytesprogrammet Ung i den världsvida kyrkan 2014. Under tre månader delar han vardag, tro och liv med människor här i Sverige. Under sin första månad spenderar han tid i St Mikaels församling i Stockholms stift. Klein har tagit examen i masskommunikation vid Silliman University, Dumaguete, Filippinerna och han jobbar idag som redaktörsassistent för nämnda universitet. I utbytesprogrammet representerar han den Filippinska oberoende kyrkan (Iglesia Filipina Independiente). Hans stora intresse och inriktning innom kyrkan är främst liturgi och musik för stiftet i Negros Oriental och Siquijor.
Lämna ett svar