In this travelogue, I tell you about what it's like to be invited to, and participate in, meetings with Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, Prince Peter Lobkowitz, Baroness Phillipa Stroud, and others in Bavaria, Germany.
The occasion was a European meeting of ARC – the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, a new holistic think tank. ARC is founded on the belief that we are created in the image of God, and it points to a better story for humanity than those told and predicted by the UN, the media, and the world’s richest elites at the WEF.
“Recession is inevitable for those who believe, because recession is a choice,” was the message from business and finance experts. According to Christian author Os Guinness, in a report presented at ARC in London last November, the West is facing a “civilizational moment”.
Great civilizations that have fallen have often collapsed because they deviated from the values and principles that originally shaped them. Now the Western world stands at a crossroads: we can either renew Christian values (provided we have an active faith), or we can reject them. If we choose the latter, we risk the collapse of the world as we know it, giving rise to something far more challenging. There are several alternative ideas ready to take over.
Dr. Os Guinness gives an insightful presentation on the current civilizational moment we find ourselves in here
ARC – a necessary response to the times we live in
That is why ARC was established, with the goal of promoting better narratives for families, businesses, governance, and culture in Western countries. ARC has brought together prominent politicians, cultural figures, academics, and Christian leaders at its first gathering in London last year. I was pleasantly surprised to be one of the 1,500 people from around the world who were selected and invited to the ARC opening last autumn.More recently, in Germany, 230 committed participants from across Europe met in Bavaria. I was the only one from Norway present, and I have been asked to identify and recommend others from Norway who should be invited to future events.
You can follow ARC and it`s work on all social media platforms. The picture below shows the ARC Forum which was held for the first time in Germany.
More about the background of ARC – why it is an important initiative
In 2023, I discovered that Jordan Peterson had established the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC). I was thrilled that someone was finally mobilizing a movement for something better. The joy was even greater when, shortly afterwards, I was invited to London as the only Norwegian participant. After three days of lectures and meetings, I felt the responsibility that came with it. When you sit with deep and well-grounded knowledge, at least two things happen inside a person: Either you are paralyzed by all the tasks ahead, or you tackle them piece by piece.
I felt paralyzed, because the world seems out of balance, and the media, in my opinion, help maintain the cultural and political status quo and the prevailing narrative. In today’s narrative, humans are considered a burden on the planet. We are told to be ashamed of our ancestors who built our countries, of our prosperity, and of our climate footprint. Being politically incorrect is also something to be ashamed of. Choosing to stay home with your children can lead to fear of reactions from the media and social media if you do not follow what is presented as right, true, and good.
If the “right” people say there are more than two genders, then you are labeled a hateful and narrow-minded person. It was precisely the conflict over gender ideology and compelled pronoun use that made Dr. Jordan Peterson world-famous in October 2016 at the University of Toronto in Canada, where he worked as a professor. I myself said yes to Jesus in September 2016, and have followed Peterson closely throughout my Christian journey.
The film below is the first TV debate Peterson participated in after igniting national controversy by refusing to refer to men as women and vice versa. It is worth watching.
(Link to the video below)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kasiov0ytEc
ARC has a spiritual aspect and is surrounded by prayer leaders
ARC engages in a secular and spiritual struggle to create a better history for humanity. Had Jordan Peterson not expressed in the ARC statutes that the movement is based on the belief that we are created in the image of God, I would not have devoted time to this. I have personally experienced situations where people underestimate the challenges we face, and then reason alone becomes insufficient as a solution.
At ARC in London, I met many Christian brothers and sisters from all over the world. They all had different kinds of challenges and were struggling in different ways where they were. Prayer leaders with large prayer groups from all over the world also attended ARC. The European Fraternity, a Christian and friendship-based European network, had a strong presence. In addition, Christian and conservative media, podcasters and influencers were gathered.
The picture below shows me together with Australian Martyn Iles, former leader of the Australian Christian Lobby and now head of Answers in Genesis USA where he focuses on creation theology and archaeology. Iles is a Christian influencer whom I have followed on social media for several years and who has built a global platform and organization through his digital engagement.
Met several who have stood up for the truth
When I was in Germany this summer, I had an important and insightful meeting with Dr. Samuel Somaruga from Switzerland and press manager Ludwig Bruhl at ADF International. ADF is an organization that works to ensure that Christians are always legally protected in standing up for the truth. Ludwig Bruhl. ADF is an organization that works to ensure that Christians are always legally allowed to stand up for the truth.
Together, ADF and Somaruga are working on a case reported by Value news in July, that child welfare services in Switzerland may remove “trans children” from parents who do not affirm the children’s new gender identity. According to the information I was given, the state requires parents to approve gender reassignment, and in some cases may even demand the return of the children’s birth certificates. The stated goal is to change the registered gender on these birth certificates as well.
This represents a growing struggle for parents across the Western world, centered on the question of what is true about gender and parental rights. They are now calling for international attention in order to increase pressure on Swiss authorities and child welfare services.
Samuel Somaruga has also played a key role in defending freedom of expression and the right to assembly during the Covid era, successfully arguing that the state cannot prohibit the worship of God in churches and congregations. Do you remember that Vinmonopolet remained open and alcohol sales increased by 40%, while churches were forced to close?
There were not many people willing to stand firmly during both the pandemic and the current debates around gender, but everyone I met pointed to the same underlying challenges in their respective countries. It is therefore reassuring to know that ADF is taking on such cases, as they are likely to become relevant in Norway as well. ADF has already been involved in child welfare cases here in Norway.
The lectures at ARC – among the best in the world!
I arrived at Maxlrain Castle on the evening of Friday, July 12th, and the first person I spoke to was a Christian brother. He was a former fighter pilot and is now a pastor who also runs a mission to Muslim immigrants, and he told me about ongoing revivals in Germany among this group.
Another pastor shared similar experiences from other countries. A pastor from Iran, formerly a Muslim, explained that major changes are happening in the Muslim world as a result of Christian missions. Signs, wonders and miracles that cannot be explained away, with new believers who become impossible to persecute because they do not renounce their faith. It was fascinating to hear about.
The conversations with the people I met were very enriching, and it was a unique experience to participate in both lectures and panel discussions.
Jordan Peterson began by exploring the Bible and its theme of “sacrifice.” He argued that sacrifice is a fundamental value of Western civilization and that we should embrace it. In this video he elaborates on this.
Jordan Peterson: We must aim for the highest and willingly sacrifice ourselves
«Voluntary sacrifice in the service of the highest: this is the highest principle.» Jordan Peterson opened our gathering with a simple idea: Western civilization is built on the idea of sacrifice. In Jordan’s words, «Sacrifice is being willing to give up something in the hope of gaining something of greater value: something that is vulnerable, ripe, rich, and harmonious with the lives around you. It integrates our personal desires with our families, our city, and our nation. It is the higher principle that puts hedonistic self-gratification in its proper place.»
Peterson further explained that “taking responsibility always requires sacrifice.” A life of responsible citizenship creates a virtuous cycle—an “endless upward spiral”—that leads us higher into prosperity, truth, and meaning. Sacrifice means that we all experience something greater together. This is the adventure we are called to. This is the better story.
Peterson challenged everyone with these words: “If you are now afraid to speak when you have something you believe is true and right to say. Then you are already in a terribly untenable situation, and you really should say what you have to say now, and not postpone it. Because in a year it will be even worse for you to say anything.”
This fits well with a Norwegian expression about freedom of speech: Freedom of expression is like a path in the forest—we must use it regularly or it will grow over.
The recipe? Say as wisely as you can, what you are convinced is true, right and good, when you have the opportunity.
Johannes Hartl and James Orr: It's easier to say what you're against than what you're for.
Many Christians I talk to say that they are labeled as “against everything”. And it can quickly be perceived that way if the first thing you say is what you are against. It is far more difficult and demanding to formulate your thoughts and attitudes about what you are for. Johannes Hartl addressed this directly, emphasizing that we must become better at telling attractive stories and using modern means to reach our goals. Watch the video on this topic here
“Truth, beauty, and goodness radiate attractiveness.” Johannes Hartl's conviction is that these three things have a power in themselves to convince, and that an attitude of humility and authenticity is the key to this power reaching those around us.
«"We have to humbly propose a narrative. And if this is beautiful, if this comes from the heart, and people feel that if it comes from the heart, then it will be attractive.".» The question of beauty is at the forefront of Johannes' thinking when it comes to uniting people around a story. He says:We must learn to speak the language of beauty and excellence in this cultural moment.» His call is that we should ’create fresh, modern cultural expressions"» that embodies our better story.
My impression is that we must dare to point to ideals and actively reach toward them—values, morals, and actions. Practicing boldness may seem provocative to some and can create resistance. Yet it is precisely this challenge that makes us dependent on faith to continue. It strengthens our trust that God is with us and for us.
Paul Marshall: Elite failure and mutant capitalism as political and ideological threats
(Link to the video below)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BtwPoerhnE
Paul Marshall emphasized at ARC that the absence of good leadership is becoming everyone’s problem within global financial institutions. He noted that while everyone desires ethical, stable leadership, when morality and ethics disappear, “index hell” takes over. As a result, the ultra-wealthy have become many times richer in just a few years, partly by socializing costs while privatizing profits.
Almost no one makes decisions close to their consequences anymore. “Stakeholder capitalism” refers to the idea that many actors have interests in major corporations, so that profit demands do not completely overshadow responsibility, morality, and ethics.
«Free market capitalism is the greatest instrument of poverty reduction the world has ever seen,» Marshall said. But today we are witnessing distortions of the free market caused by what he calls “elite failure.” This includes $20 billion spent annually on lobbying in Washington, D.C., and $10 billion in Brussels, where politics and ideology are increasingly imposed on markets. For the “fragile plant” of free markets to flourish, it must be rooted in shared values, trust, and integrity.
Marshall’s message is clear: we must renew our shared understanding of virtue and recommit to managing free and competitive markets responsibly. This leads us back to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus, where true virtue, moral clarity, and the highest ideals are found.
Erica Komisar: Children need their parents - and parents must sacrifice
(Link to the video below)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LgRztPiZO0&t=2s
Erica Komisar is extraordinarily knowledgeable, committed, and inspiring. She delivers her message fearlessly: «The child crisis is real. For the past 75 years, we have prioritized adult desires over children’s needs. Society seeks external solutions to the mental health epidemic among children - but the truth is, we created this crisis, and only we can fix it.» - can change it.»
Her challenge to parents is direct: they must take responsibility for their children’s mental health, rather than blaming external forces. As mental health challenges among children and youth rise dramatically, and healthcare systems are overwhelmed, Erica urges us to address the root causes. Children need their parents—both mother and father. As she puts it, “children are our future.” We must not condemn them to vulnerability, but prepare them for strength.
We must never accept the claim that the state or daycare institutions can replace parental care. That is a dangerous falsehood. Children need their parents, and parents must sacrifice. This truth is both the problem and the solution in one sentence. Therefore, we must pursue policies that strengthen families—even if they appear radical. It is worth it, for the sake of children and the future of our nations.
We need more children. We need to inspire commitment to family life among young people. We need to stand together so that family becomes attractive again.
It was clearly stated: our children are not obstacles to more important tasks. They are the most important task.
Kristent Ressurssenter as a response to ARC in Norway?
In many ways, Kristent Ressurssenter is already working on the challenges and solutions presented at ARC. We strive for cultural change, boldly pointing to ideals while exposing secular errors and ideological pressure from the state. Family, marriage, children, and parents are central to our work, grounded in a biblical understanding of reality. We challenge today’s failed narratives about identity—where without God, one can be anything and everything. This confusion affects our children and reflects a failure of Christian boldness.
Those who came before often made faith private, even hidden. The result is what we now see across the West and in Norway: cultural and moral decline. At Arc the shared conclusion was clear: somesomething must be done—and by someone.
At Kristent Ressurssenter, we act. We aim to be personal, real, and courageous—standing on the wall in value issues that affect everyone. We identify problems and point to solutions. Major societal change has never been driven by the majority. It has always begun with a convinced minority, grounded in truth, beauty, and goodness—radiating attractiveness until change became possible. This is what ARC believes. This is why ARC was founded. And this is why we founded Kristent Ressurssenter.
More photos from ARC Bavaria:
Kind regards from
Truls Olufsen-Mehus
Spokesperson for Culture and Society
