As another school year descends upon us, and we have education on our minds, I would like to write of another kind of education — that has grave consequences for our children’s souls. Recently I happened upon a TV program spotlighting online child pornography. Instantly I thought of turning it off, to avoid listening to […]
Musicians offer CompassionArt to restore hope
CompassionArt, Sparrow / EMI CompassionArt is described as “a charity that joins the dots between art and poverty… restoring hope and igniting justice.” In January 2008, project founder Martin Smith and various Christian music luminaries crafted songs during a retreat in Scotland. Soon after, at Abbey Road studios in London, the vocals were recorded. The […]
Welcoming the wealthy and powerful to divest
We all know Jesus loves the poor. What about the rich? As long as I am materially and culturally rich, I will keep reflecting on how problematic it is. I trust this is an avenue of liberation. It’s also very earnest, and maybe that’s what makes me a good Mennonite! My latest insight is that […]
Is fanatical religion the root cause of wars?
It keeps coming up: the contention that more people have been killed over religion than over any other matter. A friend of mine advanced it the other day. I’ve encountered it recently on an episode of CSI; on a rationalist webpage called the ; and in the book America by TV comedy host Jon Stewart. […]
Fat City brings the swing to Langley
The music from a line-up of local jazz bands inspired spontaneous dancing throughout the day, as Douglas Park was transformed from grassy fields to the site of Langley’s Fifth Annual Jazz Festival in June. The small dance floor set up in front of the main stage was filled with young and old over the course […]
Secular Folk Fest had its sacred moments
At the gates of the 32nd annual Vancouver Folks Music Festival at Jericho Beach Park, my husband Lance and I stood equipped with several necessities — our weekend passes, a pair of ear-mufflers and a backpack full of diapers. In previous years, we had only experienced the event from outside the fence, straining for a glimpse […]