Paying Attention
|

Paying Attention

It is sunburn weather today. A bare-feet, more-popsicles, sit-beside-the-fan kind of day. On summer days like this, we move more slowly and drink more water, paying attention to the demands of the body. Take care, self-care and air conditioning. When Angela Reitsma Bick mentioned that the theme for this August issue was The Body, the…

Body or Embody?
|

Body or Embody?

As a child, I found preachers’ talk about being the body of Christ more disturbing than comforting. Frightening fantasies of strange bodies danced in my head while the minister droned on. Children’s songs about being hands and feet for Jesus and “Be Careful, Little Eyes What You See”, used body images to teach me to…

Gnosticism and the human body

Gnosticism and the human body

In the early centuries of our era, the church had to contend with several heresies, most of which concerned the person of Christ and the Trinity. But there were other heresies afoot that touched on the nature of the human person, who, as scripture affirms, is created in God’s image.

Image crafter or image bearer?
|

Image crafter or image bearer?

Individually, we need to be aware of our own image-construction practices. What things do we hide our selves behind, and which need to be sacrificed so we can better reflect Jesus?

What the ugliest woman taught me about beauty
|

What the ugliest woman taught me about beauty

It’s Saturday. I’m still in my pajamas at three in the afternoon, fresh bread on the counter, the boys down for a nap. I’m scrolling through my news feed on Facebook when I discover a TED Talk featuring “the Ugliest Woman in the World” and how she’s found happiness.

A pianist’s neurons

A pianist’s neurons

On Sunday morning I was watching Cara DeHaan, who wonderfully edits my columns, play the piano for our worship service. She has musical talent I can only appreciate with my ears, not duplicate with my hands or mouth. While listening to her play, it struck me, given the way the body works, how miraculous is the ability to play the piano (or, for that matter, any musical instrument).

Our God of colour

Our God of colour

Within the church we are having plenty of conversations about the complexities of gender identity and that is truly amazing. Especially given that this topic was once a taboo conversation. As someone who has and continues to walk through gender identity issues, my heart has always desired that people within the church can talk freely. But as the conversations develop, I feel that there is a danger that we see God viewing gender and sexuality as grey issues.