Elias Aslaksen
Encyclopedia
Elias Aslaksen was the leader of Brunstad Christian Church from 1943 until his death in 1976.
Aslaksen enlisted in the Royal Norwegian Navy
and studied at the Norwegian Naval Academy
, graduating in 1910 as the top student in the history of the Academy.
Aslaksen met Johan Oscar Smith
in 1908 while both served in the Navy. Being an active Christian, Aslaksen had plans to travel to China
as missionary, and studied for a short period at a Bible School in England
. Following ongoing correspondence with Smith, Aslaksen became active in Smith's religious work. During the First World War
, Aslaksen served with the Navy, patrolling Norway's coastline. While on shore leave at various ports on Norway's south and west coast, he was an active and enthusiastic missionary, preaching the message of sanctification through victory over sin
that Smith was also preaching.
After leaving the Navy, Aslaksen dedicated his life to the work in the church and became a leading figure in the growth and development of the group now known as Brunstad Christian Church. In later years, Aslaksen travelled to Denmark
, Germany
, Finland
, the Netherlands
and England
where churches were also established.
Although Aslaksen's main focus was his work for the church, he made significant contributions to society in general. He was instrumental in justifying the position of Christians in military service, explaining from the Bible that Christians both can and should participate in military service. In a broader sense, this led to a definition of Christian values that included both duty and loyalty to the society in which one lives.
Following Smith's death in 1943, Aslaksen became the leader of The Christian Church. He was a prolific writer and authored many articles, books and hymns.
Aslaksen died in Hønefoss
, Norway
on 10 May 1976. Sigurd Bratlie
became the leader of Brunstad Christian Church after Aslaksen's death.
Aslaksen enlisted in the Royal Norwegian Navy
Royal Norwegian Navy
The Royal Norwegian Navy is the branch of the Norwegian Defence Force responsible for naval operations. , the RNoN consists of approximately 3,700 personnel and 70 vessels, including 5 heavy frigates, 6 submarines, 14 patrol boats, 4 minesweepers, 4 minehunters, 1 mine detection vessel, 4 support...
and studied at the Norwegian Naval Academy
Norwegian Naval Academy
- External links :*...
, graduating in 1910 as the top student in the history of the Academy.
Aslaksen met Johan Oscar Smith
Johan Oscar Smith
Johan Oscar Smith was a Norwegian Christian leader who founded the evangelical non-denominational fellowship now known as Brunstad Christian Church.-Early life and career:...
in 1908 while both served in the Navy. Being an active Christian, Aslaksen had plans to travel to China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
as missionary, and studied for a short period at a Bible School in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. Following ongoing correspondence with Smith, Aslaksen became active in Smith's religious work. During the First World War
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, Aslaksen served with the Navy, patrolling Norway's coastline. While on shore leave at various ports on Norway's south and west coast, he was an active and enthusiastic missionary, preaching the message of sanctification through victory over sin
Holiness movement
The holiness movement refers to a set of beliefs and practices emerging from the Methodist Christian church in the mid 19th century. The movement is distinguished by its emphasis on John Wesley's doctrine of "Christian perfection" - the belief that it is possible to live free of voluntary sin - and...
that Smith was also preaching.
After leaving the Navy, Aslaksen dedicated his life to the work in the church and became a leading figure in the growth and development of the group now known as Brunstad Christian Church. In later years, Aslaksen travelled to Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
, the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
and England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
where churches were also established.
Although Aslaksen's main focus was his work for the church, he made significant contributions to society in general. He was instrumental in justifying the position of Christians in military service, explaining from the Bible that Christians both can and should participate in military service. In a broader sense, this led to a definition of Christian values that included both duty and loyalty to the society in which one lives.
Following Smith's death in 1943, Aslaksen became the leader of The Christian Church. He was a prolific writer and authored many articles, books and hymns.
Aslaksen died in Hønefoss
Hønefoss
Hønefoss is a city in Buskerud county, Norway, and the center of the municipality of Ringerike.In 1852, Hønefoss received town status and was separated from Norderhov. Hønefoss celebrated its 150th year of township in 2002...
, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
on 10 May 1976. Sigurd Bratlie
Sigurd Bratlie
Sigurd Rudolf Gudbrandsen Bratlie was the leader of Brunstad Christian Church from 1976 until his death in 1996.Bratlie was born in Nordstrand, Norway and was the youngest of nine children....
became the leader of Brunstad Christian Church after Aslaksen's death.