HOW THE EVANGELICAL CENTER IN OSLO DISPLAYED HOSPITALITY THROUGH FOOD

Abstract

Offering food is a basic Christian practice of hospitality. It is known as a Christian practice and identity. Many Christian churches and organizations offer free food to others as an act of love, empathy and inclusion. Hospitality is about addressing the needs of other people for food, shelter, and protection, as well as recognition of their spiritual needs. The people who does such works are mostly volunteers and social workers. Hospitality also recognizes humanity and the significance of one’s uniqueness and differences. This study contributes to the study of heterotopic space using the example of the Evangeliesenteret in Oslo, focusing on hospitality through food at the center. The Evangeliesenteret’s feeding program is highlighted and the study will look into the following factors: how hospitality is displayed in Christian spaces such as the Evangliesenteret in Oslo through food? In light of this research’s goal of undertansing hospitality through food at Evangeliesenteret, this paper tackles the significance of volunteerism; social work; the vitues of love, empathy and inclusion; and the aspects of heterotopia and interreligious dialogue, as parts of the study. Five individuals from Evangeliesenteret were interviewed and a one-day observation was conducted. This study uses the data from both interviewed participants and observation. They were analyzed, interpreted and discussed.