Food for Thought

Wow, it’s been a fantastic term. I finished up exams last week and we celebrated with a dinner and dance, aptly named “L’Chaim,” which is Hebrew for “To Life”! Right now it’s Spring in Vancouver. The weather is enviable, although a little cold still at times. The tulips and cherry trees and magnolias make for magnificent scenery to and from the bus stop. I have decided to review one of the courses I took this term: Christian Thought and Culture II. We focussed on a different topic each week. Here are some of the questions I am left with, and some books I found intriguing on some of the topics (I have not read every chapter). I haven’t included every topic, not mentioned my Profs. If you’re interested in more detail or resources, leave me a comment (or email me if you know me) and I’ll get back to you sometime J

Calling and Vocation: More and more I am discovering that being human is foremost grounded in relationship – to God, and to others and creation. I used to wonder whether all the aborted babies had a calling or not; either way would seem cruel. But if calling is about relationship and not tasks, then God is great indeed. My on-going question: what does it mean to be human? Book (although not explicitly tied with this lecture): After you believe, by NT Wright.

The Enlightenment in the 18^th century, and the “eclipse of the biblical narrative” ever since (to quote Hans Frei). How can I better integrate what we have called “secular” and “spiritual”?

Evangelicalism, with its emphasis on a personal individual relationship with God (which if taken to the extreme negates the role of the church community); the rise of a celebrity culture (which may tempt us to be closed to learning or hearing from God through the “normal” or “lesser” people around us); and the role of emotions during a conversion or worship experience (which could cause us to assume that things are only going well if we feel good). I am most grateful to have grown up in the wake of Evangelicalism, but am also learning to be aware of its weaknesses. How can I worship and live in community, in all sorts of emotional states? I’m looking forward to reading Desiring the Kingdom, by James Smith.

Theology & Politics: How our Theology inherently affects the way my actions and the way I treat people. I’m investigating what I truly believe about God, which affects what exists (ontology), what can be known (epistemology), and how I live (politics/ethics). If I really believe that people are made in the image of God, then I would treat every person like that. My question – what do I believe, and where are there inconsistencies that show I need to change something?

Romanticism as a corrective to the Enlightenment: a focus on feelings and beauty, resulting out of the over-focus on reason and facts and empirical experimentation. Our society seems very “left-brained” (to use McGilchrist’s analogy): structured, productive, mechanical, impersonal. How can I bring in more “right brain-ness” in the way I live? I need to find ways of incorporating beauty, appreciating food when I eat, indulging in the senses. Do I live as though I need to have everything under control? Where do I leave room for mystery? What can I give when I (go to church/ go for a walk / enter into a friendship), as opposed to what I can get? Book (yet to read): The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, by Iain McGilchrist.

Creation and Evolution: This is still a difficult topic for many and I’m not sure what I believe. My questions include: what kind of information was the bible meant to give us? – probably not scientific information, considering it also speaks of the four corners of the earth. What does it mean to be made in the image of God? – for this separates humanity from animal life.

Catholics and Evangelicals: I have enjoyed learning more about Catholicism, and seeing how much overlap there is with Evangelicalism. Sure, there are points that are seemingly irreconcilable, but I wonder what will happen to these in future generations? What can I learn and incorporate from the Catholic Faith? Excellent article: Is the Reformation over [particularly the bits about Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT)], by Noll and Nystrom.

Christianity as a World Religion: What of the gospel message we know is essential, and what is cloaked in a particular culture and can be adapted in various cultures in different ways? What can I learn from African / Asian / Russian / Western / Eastern Christianity? How much of this needs to be intellectually thought through, and how much of it is about a personal encounter with people from different cultures, and their encounters with God?

Sexuality: Hot topics at the moment include women’s roles in the church, and homosexuality. How much of my Christianity is about what I can get, instead of Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice? Not so much about which roles are appropriate, but what does it mean to be female (as part of the question of what it means to be human). Along with that, what does it mean to be single? How can I love others well (male and female) in a culture that tends to sexualize almost every relationship?

Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering: so much is possible these days. We saw a photo of a luminous green rabbit – Eduardo Kac inserted a jellyfish gene and called it art. Where is the line when it comes to playing with genes and DNA? Is it okay to tamper with animals – and humans – like that? What about Cloning, In Vitro Fertilization, stem cell research, prenatal screening, luminescent humans? When should we say no to our “unquenchable curiosity”? (Edwin Hui)

 

Beaches and Bagels

I invented a new word a few mornings ago: "gawjus." It’s just like “gorgeous,” only it’s more. It was a cold but sunny morning, and I had walked down to the beach. I can still picture the blue, blue sea, a surprising contrast to the muddied water of a windy yesterday. I now know what lies behind the simile of a sea like glass. I have not seen waves higher than about 0,5m, but they lap at the shore consistently, bringing treasures such as shells and driftwood and seaweed. To the right I see the tall buildings of downtown, strutting their stuff in the sunlight, proud. On the water before me I count 13 ships, and I am reminded of Grandpa who would eagerly beckon us each morning to the window of his harbour view, to count. Imagining the stories of each vessel makes for a fascinating exercise of the imagination. And these 13 stories and mine somehow overlap on the blue, blue waters of West Canada.

I fear I am becoming Canadian. In this regard, I could probably lump Canadians and North Americans together (but don’t ever tell that to a North American!): I ate a bagel for lunch. In fact, I have two whole packets of bagels in my freezer, waiting to be devoured with cream cheese or something luscious. Before coming here, I didn’t really even know what a bagel was. I have since discovered that the breaded donut-shape-thing comes in multiple flavours. Ooh, even thinking about cinnamon raisin makes my mouth water. I suppose, if I were truly to become Canadian, I would have to eat a bagel for breakfast. Not long afterwards, I found myself putting in my South African flag earrings. Just to be sure.

You know you're in Canada when...

(Alternatively, this blog posting could be entitled: “You know you’re not in South Africa when…”)

…you leave your mobile phone at school and when you look for it the next day someone has turned it in for you.

…you have unlimited internet.
…you can buy a gallon of milk (such a huge bottle!)
…you can buy a gallon of milk for a single-digit dollar amount.
…the government phases out the penny and the stores round your total up instead of down.
…the cars stop for you if you possibly look like you’re approaching the street to cross.
…people remind you that you have an accent.
 
Two of the biggest differences I’ve noticed being here:
…the weather. I miss hot hot days and heavy rain and thunderstorms.
…the safety. Not that I ever felt scared in South Africa, but it’s nice not to have to be vigilant all the time.
 
The things I love most about being here:
…being a student. This is because it includes the freedom of deciding my own schedule and the process of learning about stuff and researching interesting topics.
…the community, both at school and at church. A tightknit inclusive group of people who are genuine in their love for each other, and willing to step out of our comfort zones to extend that care to others.
…my home. My room is a welcome place to rest and be me; our house is a haven and the birthplace of many a great initiative and conversation; my homies are serious about becoming the best people we can be, and about embracing the lighter side of life.
…the outdoors. From tree-lined streets, to parks and the beach, to the mountains and the woods with tall tall trees, to crisp cool days and moss-covered trees.

The things I miss most about South Africa:

…the people I love. I think about them way more often than they know. I am so grateful, not only for where I am right now, but for where I have come from.
…driving! I didn’t think I’d say this, but I’d love to get behind the wheel of a stick-geared car and just drive!!!
…like I said earlier, hot hot days and thunderstorms.
…Afrikaans. Is it weird to talk to myself at times?!!
…Ouma’s Rusks. Mmmm. Especially on a Saturday morning.

How fortunate I am, to be able to call two places “home.”

Pause...

Already a month into Term 2. Time is passing quickly.
I pause and think of some things I am grateful for:
Friends near me now
Friends far away
The love of family
A sunny window in my room
Chocolate chip cookies
A restful afternoon
The opportunity to study
An awesome job
The diversity of people
A warm comfy bed
Fairy lights
Beautiful music
Photographs of treasured memories
The ability to read
God’s intricate involvement in my life
That I don’t have to be perfect
Kind people
A warm coat on a cold day
Worldwide communication
The talents I have
A beautiful city
Shared laughter
People who have walked the road ahead of me
The full range of emotions
The freedom to be myself
Opportunities to have fun
The sound of birds outside
Beautiful little crocuses
Bright green moss on knobbly trees
The sound of water
Juicy oranges
The smile of a stranger
That floating feeling of hope
The glory of God in every day
Comfortable clothing
Colourful days

We believe

We believe that God is present
in the darkness before dawn;
in the waiting and uncertainty
where fear and courage join hands,
conflict and caring link arms,
and the sun rises over barbed wire.
We believe in a with-us God
who sits down in our midst
to share our humanity.
We affirm a faith that takes us beyond
the safe place: into action, into vulnerability
and into the street.
We commit ourselves to work for change
and to put ourselves on the line;
to bear responsibility, take risks,
live powerfully and face humiliations
to stand with those on the edge;
to choose life and be used by the Spirit
for God’s new community of hope.
Amen.
Iona Abbey Worship Book © 2001 The Iona Community

Real Canadian Winter

The life of a student is possibly one of the best! Just a few classes, and an essay every now and then (I'm downplaying it just a bit. It's tough to have to read hundreds of pages when you'd rather be outdoors; and the crunch at the end of semesters is quite exhausting!) But the perks include staying up as late as I like and sleeping late on the days without morning classes. There are fewer responsibilities and the consequences affect only me. Friends abound, and the scheduled holiday breaks are awesome!

This December I got to experience a Real Canadian Winter with my family. I'm talking snow everywhere and temperatures down to about minus 20C. It was so cold at one point, the vapor on the insides of the car windows froze! (And yes, I spelled vapor without a "u") I suppose winter could be more extreme. We didn't get stuck in a blizzard or anything like that!

The best part about this holiday? Seeing my dad, mom, and brother. We shared three weeks exploring Canada, playing scrabble, watching movies, going for walks, skiing, hot tubbing, and trying out some traditional eats and drinks. (Some worked out better than others!)

Thanks dad for such an awesome holiday, for skiing and Nordic skiing, for your massages, and for drinking egg nog :) Thanks mom for driving, for all the organizing, for yummy food, for whistling all sorts of tunes, and for playing Pictionary with me! Thanks boet for 'irritating' me and allowing me to irritate you, for scrabble and thrashing us a few times, and for sharing your caramel chocolate! Missed you sister; but here's to some time together soon!

All in all, you know it's a good break when you're ready and excited for the next term of school :) Here I come!

The World Sleeps in on Sundays

I’m sitting on the couch in our lounge and looking out the window. It’s no longer morning, but the stillness of Sunday has set in and I am glad to be alive to witness this day. The sun lights up the houses across the street, and the dark clouds behind add to the effect. It’s been raining the past few days, and now everything is clean, bright, and wet, and colour stands out so well in the lighting.

Not all is beautiful. The leaves, which once held their majestic sway in the streets, are now soggy and brown and make for quite a sport crossing streets where they have not already been cleared away. But the beauty is there if one will be open to see it. It’s always there. Just this morning I saw a hundred thousand glistening rain drops adorning the branches of a bare brown bush. So easily missed in this sorry-I-can’t-stop-for-you lifestyle.

Which is why I like Sundays. Granted, not everyone gets to sit back and breathe in deeply on Sundays, but I sure hope everyone gets slow down at least somewhere in a week. I get to take stock of my life, myself, my surroundings. And I get to appreciate the present – the moment, the week, the people in my life.

There is beauty in people too… if one will just look long enough to see it. Some say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Others say beauty is inherent in the thing itself. I’m no philosopher, but I’d say it’s both. The beholder has the privilege of recognizing the beauty that is already there. Which is why I look for it. And is why when I see it I step back to take it in fully.

I think of a children’s book I own: Who made the Morning? (by Jan Godfrey & illustrated by Honor Ayres.) It’s about Little Brown Bird’s quest to discover the maker of this beautiful morning. She eventually discovers that it is God, who makes all things and who is always with her. The last page of the book reads, “and to thank Him, Little Brown Bird sang a happy song.” I find myself thanking God for another beautiful day, and praying that my whole life will be a happy song.

What's brewing...

Mid-term is so last season! We’re onto papers now… hopefully all the research is done. Now for editing and reediting, and formatting them just right. When I think that it has only been about three months, I am astounded! So much has happened. I feel like I’m a much larger person – not in a physical aspect, not merely mentally, but wholly larger. I have much inside me that wasn’t here before. Here’s one example… a poem that has been brewing of late:

 In the Service of a Leaf

Leaves are fascinating.

For the most part they are pretty and green,
Silently proclaiming praise,
And something about recycling air.
 
Somewhere in each leaf’s lifetime,
It loses all but radiates homage instead,
Resplendent.
The landscapes are steeped in colour.
No one leaf is quite like another,
And none remains as is for long.
 
In one final act of beauty and service
They lose themselves completely
And fall to the ground,
A sacrificial carpet lining the streets
On which the Bride of Glory treads.

 

Mid-term... already!

I can hardly believe we’re half way through the first term!!! Most of the firstyears are frantically reading through half of the Old Testament before the mid-term exam next week. The Scriptures come alive in context… I understand on a whole new level what the authors were trying to get across, and I’m learning to appreciate the artistic use of language too.

That’s not all that is shaping my thinking. We’ve covered a huge range of topics in Christian Thought and Culture. Some of the things we have touched on are the formation of the doctrine of the Trinity, the canonization of the Scriptures, modernity & postmodernity, pagan influence on the early church, and how different cultures might express Christianity differently… a LOT to take in, wrestle with, and take a stand on. It is rich!

I still enjoy walking to the bus stop each day (it has not rained too much yet). The Vancouver houses are quite something to admire, as are the trees. Here’s a poem about leaves I wrote in 2007, although the varieties here are generally a lot wetter than those described below!

The Dance of Leaves

It is when the skies are clouded over

And the winds howl
That the leaves come out to dance

They scurry along

Their warm little bodies frozen forever
Working wonders in their jig
Against the backdrop of a twilit sky

Others are coloured more vibrantly

Yet not quite as energetic

A sudden scuttle

As if a crescendo

The wind fades

And they settle once again
Expectant

The Little Things

Why did I walk home today? Well, I decided on the way, if I had have taken the bus, I would not have enjoyed eating the blackberries that grow along the way. And secondly, because I lost my bus pass!

I wake up, excited by the little things in life: yoghurt with sweet nectarines every morning (and any other time of day), walking past my favourite house on the block, hearing a great song on repeat for endless hours, surprising a friend, being surprised by a friend, discovering something intriguing and amusing in the class readings, the two-tone flowers I have not seen before, the wonder of a free afternoon, the pictures in a child’s book, writing my name in the letters of the Greek alphabet, and the feeling of sun on my face.

The sunny days are coming to an end, I am told. The overcast early mornings are something I can expect all day long, I hear. The rain goes on and on. That is if you can classify it as rain; I understand it is more of a perpetual drizzle. This coming season is not devoid of beauty. The leaves tell a different story. Each of them gives a final splurge of colour, a kind of epic attempt at the extraordinary, before plummeting to their deaths. Just like fireworks. It’s the little things in life that seem to hold the potential for great joy.