Welcome, Aase Victoria!

Aase Victoria is a new Speaker in Training at OCCA. She relocated from Oslo, Norway to Oxford with her husband, Nils, earlier this year, and is passionate about engaging with the big ethical issues and questions of our day. She brings a background in theology and leadership and has worked in a variety of contexts, from Christian media to supporting people with learning disabilities or additional needs.

Aase Victoria also speaks on challenging topics like abortion and euthanasia. We ask ed her to share her insights into the big questions shaping our culture, and what she is most looking forward to getting stuck intowith OCCA.

Welcome to the team, Aase Victoria!

There are so many influences shaping our culture today. What do you see are the big issues or questions that people are grappling with?

I think many of us are grappling with meaning, especially because it’s popular to approach life with an individualistic mindset. There’s also a rise in mental health struggles like anxiety and depression, along with questions about identity. People often feel like they need to figure out who they are and what gives them value all on their own, rather than looking outside of themselves.

I now follow Jesus because I found the reasonable answers I was seeking, and I want to share that confidence with others.

What sparked your interest in defending the Christian faith?

It stems back from my personal story with God. I grew up in a Christian family but had lots of questions like, “Why do I believe this?” and “Do I want to?” Since I wasn’t finding the answers, I started searching for good reasons to believe the Christian message was true. Over time, I became more confident in my faith and grounded myself in it. I now follow Jesus because I found the reasonable answers I was seeking, and I want to share that confidence with others.

What topics are you most passionate about engaging with in apologetics?

I find ethical and existential questions fascinating, but I’m also drawn to exploring the deeper meaning of life. It makes sense to look at how our worldview explains who we are as humans. I’m particularly interested in questions about our longings—things that may not fully satisfy in this life which could suggest we’re made for another world. I’m passionate about the purpose of life, and while many people see romantic love as the greatest meaning, I feel there’s something more profound to discover.

What excites you the most about the work of OCCA?

I really appreciate how OCCA meets people where they are, engaging with current questions rather than clinging to outdated ones. They address the concerns that matter today, and their work is based on solid research, not just opinions. That’s what makes the team so trustworthy. We’re not here to win debates; we’re here to win people, and to explain aspects of faith that people can understand and connect with. I’m passionate about the purpose of life, and while many people see romantic love as the greatest meaning, I feel there’s something more profound to discover.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one book with you, what would it be and why?

I love fantasy books, like The Lord of the Rings, but it would have to be Mere Christianity by CS Lewis. It addresses so many of the questions I had about the Christian faith, and the way he explains things really resonates with me. He tackles the topics in such an interesting and insightful way.

Who would be the one person (alive or historical) you’d like to be stranded with?

I think it would be fun to bring someone like CS Lewis or JRR Tolkien. I know it sounds predictable, being in Oxford, but I’m a big fan of both. It would be so interesting to listen to their conversations.

And finally, what luxury item would you bring, assuming it has no practical use?

My Spotify playlist! I love listening to epic movie soundtracks- I find them very calming.