While the world is burning

Writer and dad Kyle David Bennett moved his desk from the attic to the living room to be more present for his young children, he told the audience in a panel discussion entitled “How to Write – and Live – When the World is Burning.”

“First and foremost,” he said, “I’m going to pay attention to my family, because they are the neighbours closest to me.” He’s also passionate about explaining his work to his kids. “If I can’t talk to my kids about loving your neighbour, maybe I don’t know what that means.”

Bennett was joined by co-authors Sarah Arthur and Erin F. Wasinger, who with their families spent a year together trying to follow Jesus in small but radical ways. This included covenantal friendship, downward mobility and “kid monasticism” – their nickname for spiritual practices with children.

All three authors discussed whether writing helps anyone. Can our words actually combat injustice or change hearts? Yes, panelists affirmed, noting that most of the New Testament is made up of letters written to other Christians, long distance. Writing can cultivate hope; it can be used by God to chisel the author; it can be part of a spiritual journey; it can share our faith.

“Remember the Bible?” Arthur asked. “The whole thing is still true, even if [in the world today] it looks like it’s not.”