NRK to air Afterlife TV
Norwegian program aims to connect the living with the dead
Sarah Bostock & Michael Sandelson
The Foreigner
In a sealed envelope in a locked safe are the secret words of former Stavanger resident Rolf Erik Eikemo, who died of terminal cancer in May last year, aged 40. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Before his death, he promised NRK that he will reveal what is on the sheet in the envelope if someone manages to get in touch with him.
Not one living person knows what is written. The only way to find out its contents is by contacting the dead, the broadcaster reports about its own initiative.
NRK writes that Eikemo, who was recorded on video just weeks before his death, gave two reasons why he wanted to participate in the experiment.
“He was open to the possibility that he could be wrong, and if that was the case, he wanted to convey that we can expect more after this life has ended, even if he did not have much belief in life after death,” said Lasse Nederhoed of Teddy TV, the company that produces the program for NRK.
“There are many who claim they can talk with the dead, quite a number who are doing it commercially, and a few whose alleged abilities have made them rather wealthy. We thought it would be interesting to test if those who claim they have these abilities in fact do, and Rolf Erik gave us the opportunity,” he explained.
The idea of reuniting with loved ones from beyond the grave is a comforting thought for many. Others would prefer evidence before believing.
In 2012, 48 percent of Norwegians said there was no existence after death and a mere 5% thought that “some come to a good place, whilst others cease to exist.”
Norway’s Princess Martha Louise has said she has psychic powers and is able to teach others to communicate with angels, announcing online plans for an alternative therapy center.
According to Nederhoed, Rolf Erik Eikemo “was enthusiastic about the project from the start.”
“It was his decision alone to participate, and the family supported him. We’ve had a close and good dialogue with his wife after his passing. She has seen and approved the finished program.”
“If no one reaches Rolf Erik, that’s not evidence of anything in itself, but it gives those who claim to have these abilities a hard case to argue. If it is possible to talk with the dead, and according to many it is even ‘easy,’ then why hasn’t anyone been able to make contact with an eager conversation partner such as Rolf Erik when so many have had the opportunity to try?” asks Nederhoed.
The program, which forms part of NRK’s series called “Folkeopplysningen” (The Public Enlightenment), airs on October 5 this year.
People who either think that they can make contact with the late Eikemo, or know someone who might be able to do so are encouraged to fill out the form at www.nrk.no/delta/rolf-erik-is-dead_-but-he-would-like-to-get-in-touch-with-you-1.13101164. It may only be completed once. Responses must be submitted by September 25.
This article was originally published on The Foreigner. To subscribe to The Foreigner, visit theforeigner.no.
It also appeared in the Sept. 23, 2016, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
