Spring 2019 | Issue 7
CLARITAS A Journal of Christian Thought
FEATURING Pocketbook Paganism Reduce, Reuse, Redeem? Prayer to the Deserted Psalm 02 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 involve faith,reason,andvocation. and itstrives to begin conversations that Christ toeverypersonandstudy, is to articulate and connect the truth of around acommoncreedalvision.Itsvision writers andeditorsfromalldenominations The by students attending Cornell University. semester of 2015, it is written and produced commentary. Launched in the spring journal that reviews ideas and cultural The Cornell Claritasisecumenical, drawing that canonlybefoundthroughGod. us, “clarity,” “vividness,” or “renown.” For CLARITAS Cornell Claritas Claritas represents a life-giving truth WHO AREWE? isaChristianthought is the Latin word for 38 37 36 31 30 25 24 23 20 15 14 10 06 05 Paola Mendez IN LOVING SILENCE Zachary Lee PRAYER TO THEDESERTED PSALM Amy Crouch POCKETBOOK PAGANISM Matthew J.Hall VISION (DIPTYCH) Matthew J.Hall DIALOGUE Grace Choi BINGEING ONBEAUTY Brook Lindsey LOVESICK John Nystrom FAERY FOOD Abigail Bezrutczyk REDUCE, REUSE,REDEEM? Zachary Lee THE SOUL’SHUNGER Carley Eschliman FROM THEEDITORLETTER Elizabeth Schmucker THERE’S NOPLACE LIKEHEIMAT James Seaton CARRIED James Seaton CARRYING 03 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 Phoebe Lee‘20 04
Cornell Claritas Production Spring 2019 Manager Michelle Chen‘19 Nicole Riley Advisory Board: Alan Hsiao‘21 Photography: CLARITAS STAFF Design Manager Michelle Liu‘21 Co-Business Manager Production Design Board Board Michelle Liu‘21 Zachary Lee‘20 Elizabeth Schmucker‘19 James Seaton‘19 Matthew J.Hall,Grad John Nystrom,Grad Contributors: Design Staff Ashley Kim‘20 Co-Business Manager Grace Choi‘22 Amy Crouch‘22 Paola Mendez‘21 Brooke Lindsey‘21 Abigail Bezrutczyk‘20 Barbara Esuoso‘19 Managing Editor Jamie Har‘20 Editorial Staff Blog Editor Carley Eschliman‘20 Editor-in-Chief Editorial Board Anne-Sophie Olsen‘20 Anderson Chang‘19 Assistant BlogEditor Brooke Lindsey‘21 Editorial Staff Poetry Editor So, whatareyouwaiting for? Digin. realm ofconsumptionhelpsprovideanewperspective, aperspectivethatwebelieveismuchneeded. by humanthought.However,wehopethatourthoughts andconsiderationofChrist’sroleinthe consumption arenotabletobeexplainedfullyinthe spacewegivethem,orinanyconstrained magazine, thisissueofClaritasisnotananswerkey. Thetopicswetackleintherealmof Where dowegofromhere?I’mnotentirelysure.Along withnotbeingarecipebookorfood rightfully ordered. brokenness. Inaworldthatisnotfreefromsin,our consumptionisnotalwayshelpful,necessary,or Adam intheGardenofEden,allowsmetoseeconsumption assomethingthathasthepossibilityfor has inherentgoodness.ButmybeliefintheFall,that impulsiveactofconsumptionbyEveandthen consumptive acts;wewerecreatedtoenjoytheworldinwhichliveandeverythingaroundus created world,onethatHelookedatandcalled“good,”meansIdonothavetoridmyselfofall I believethatmyChristianfaithisessentialwhenapproachingthisneed.MybeliefinaGod- habits ofconsumptionneedtochange. And yet,despitethemassivedifferencesineachfield,theybothcametosameconclusion:our class becameawareofrealmediaaddiction. own mediaconsumptionforfivedays.Andafterwritingdownpracticallyoureverymove,mostinthe levels onshortertimeframes;oneclassevenhadanassignmentwherewerecordedeveryactofour technology investment.Alternatively,myCommunicationcoursessawconsumptionatindividual our globalclimatereliesonactioninalldisciplines,fromintergovernmentalpolicytoclimate-smart thermometers. TheclassItookentitled“ClimateChange”spokeatlengthabouthowthefutureof impacts ofclimatechangeandourneedforsmartthinkinginthefacerisingsealevels My AtmosphericScienceclassesdiscussedconsumptionatgrandscales,focusingontheglobal I foundasignificantoverlap:theybothcareddeeplyaboutconsumption. Science. Althoughthesetwofieldsseemincrediblydisconnected(likemostSTEM/humanitiespairs), on asecondmajorandbeganstudyingCommunicationalongwithmyexistingofAtmospheric Consumption isanespeciallyrelevanttopictomypersonalstudiesatCornell.Lastyear,Itacked captivating (andconsumptive)powersofloveto1950’sGermancinematicmovements. this issue,you’llrunintopiecesprovidingclarityastotheChristianviewsoftopicsdiverse bigger topicthanwerealized;infact,discoveredthatmosteverythingdoistiedupit.In scrumptious scone!)Andthemorewethought,realizedthatconsumptionisamuch we didalotofthinking,writing,andeditingononetopicinparticular:consumption.(Hencethe At Claritas,westrivetoprovidetangibleproofthatChristiansarethinkers.Thispastsemester, That’s right,“Christianthought”—eventhoughthatphrasemayseematadoxymoronic. reading. ThisistheSpring2019issueofClaritas,CornellUniversity’sjournalChristianthought. or recipebook.But,beforeyouputthisjournaldown,letmemakethecaseforyourcontinued Despite thedelicioussconeonourfrontcover,Ihaveunfortunatenews:thisisnotafoodmagazine Dear Reader, LETTER FROM THEEDITORLETTER Carley Eschliman‘20 Peace ofChrist, Editor inChief 05 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 06 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 T shoppers by claimingthat“themall isour Quindlen poignantly describesBlack Friday article “Why Stuff is Not Salvation,” Anna their actions areevidenceotherwise. In her willing to saythatthey“worship”food,though If directlyasked, few individuals would be to beexploitedandconsumed. limited andrandomquantities,butaresource “free food”was not something to beenjoyedin this seismicshift,itwasclearthatformany, points. While the student body“recovered”from could purchasediscountedfooditemswiththeir replaced by“couponoption”where students option toget“freeitems”wasremovedentirely, (to thechagrinofmany)andeventually rectified was bug The them. get to points their “sold out”ofcertainitemsduetostudentsusing glitch, many Cornell eateries cited that they cashed in their currency. On the day of the points, and with their newfound abundance, quickly accumulatinganinordinateamountof time. Manyexperienceda“ragstoriches” story, the samepromocodeandgaintenpointsevery glitched and students could repeatedly enter and much more. One day, however, the app rewards intheformoffreecoffee,pizza,omelets, points inturncouldbereimbursedforreallife number ofminutesphoneinactivity.Those that rewardedpointsbasedonthe an app University if one did not have “Pocket Points,” one couldhardlybeastandingmemberofthe fixation obsessive cuisine. with complimentaryInthefallof2018, Cornellians’ of surface the members, yetevenitsexistence only scrapes campus, currently boastsoverthreethousand students postaboutfreefood“sightings”on The Official Free Food GroupMe, a group where the Our physical appetites as more than physical than more as appetites physical Our hunger student’s attentionliketheones“freefood.” here arenotwowordsthatgrabaCornell soul’s by Zachary Lee together tomorrow?’” next?’ ‘What’sinthefridgeandwhatcanIput going toeatnext?’‘WhereamIgodine generation arethinking about, ‘WhatamI and adds,“Ithink that alotofpeoplein our and brings people togetherin physical space” as somethingthatengagesallofthesenses in aninterviewhow “people latchontofood Will Make or Break the Future of Food Organic Fare, Celebrity Chefs, and Yum: HowtheMillennialGeneration’s Love for Eve Turrow, author of their current55-inchone. than significance of amount greater a them give shoppers thinkthatbuyinga75-inchTVwill satisfy andbring ultimate comfort just like the of our hopes. We think that the free food will placement wrongful and fixation obsessive an wrong. Theissueisthatsuch desires indicate grueling over anessayforthepastfewhours is eating thebadmintonclub’s leftover pizzaafter means togetfreefood.Thisisnotsaythat are students on campus willing to goextreme shedding of blood) togetthatcoveteditem, so too over other customers (i.e. a sacrificial and literal as BlackFridayshoppersarewillingtotrample food on campus is a true God-send for many. Just temple.” keep thequestionsatbay. as muchpossible,ifonlyto to hoardandeat a naturalreactiontolargequantityoffoodis pressing questionsonastudent’smind,ofcourse 1 Correspondingly,thepresenceoffree 2 Whenthesearethemost A Taste of Generation Microbrews , describes understanding of the sacrifice that it took for you in its true form should be enjoyedwith the is important thentorememberthatfood It simply enjoyingfoodinand ofitself. as autilitarian source of energy, rather than methods or the way many people see food simply culture—consider unethical foodpreparation another facetofourlivesaffectedbyconsumerist world, manydieofstarvation.Foodhasbecome major concerns, while in other parts of the developed countries, obesity andwasteremain incongruous disparity in how in you before it runs out. There is an as much “good stuff” in front of era ofconsumptionculture: grab In many ways, thisperpetuatesthemodern itself. fixes system the is ofwhat to takeadvantageavailablebefore “glitches” or “malfunctions,” the best thing to do Thus, when aconsuming and controlling system and setprices,oftenatanunjusthighrate. to the systems that are in power which control want to sustain us and enjoy are costly thanks an unfortunate yet difficult reality: the things we population andequallyrapiddownfalls reveal yet theircrazedandspeedyembracebythe of servicesthatwere“toogoodtobetrue,” MoviePass and Pocket Points are both examples bandwagon” beforesuchbenefitsdisappeared. Many likewise wishedtheyhad“jumpedonthe forms, they see its current model asadevolution. for thosewho experienced theservice in itspast one, but movies amonth.Thedealisstillgood a month,customerscanseeuptothree $9.95 began todismantletheir service; currently, for deemed unsustainable, and MoviePass slowly February 2018. However, the model was soon two million active subscribers reported asof service quickly garnered manysubscribers, with per month could view one movie per day. The and goalweresimple:customers who paid $9.95 consumerist Food hasbecome another facet of ourlivesaffected by promise its launched, first MoviePass When a moviesubscriptionservice, as anexample. on theopportunity.StudentscitedMoviePass, disappear quickly,” thus, it is best to capitalize that isboth“highlyrewarding”yet“proneto presence of freefoodpresentsan“indulgence” Many studentsItalkedwithcitedthatthe in andof itself. utilitarian source of energy, rather thansimplyenjoying food methods way seefood orthe manypeople simplyasa — culture—consider unethical food preparation indicates muchmore hungerbutisrooted than physical Viewed inthislight, myown 2AMice cream therefore in a deeper hunger for longing, meaning, andidentity in adeeperhungerfor meaning, longing, yet, hadI?” their deaths included, well, I hadn’tdonethat ultimate responsibility for the animals I eat, for me toeatthis venture was about taking In on our plate; itwasaliving, breathing animal. food had a life before it received its current form breast on our plate, we so often forgetthatour adds that when we see the steak fillet or chicken “impersonal nature” with which we eat foodand dining tablenotmerelyas aphysicalactbut implication offood,treating whatwedoatthe The Christian Bible speaks to this larger is thelifeofanother. being abletowakeupanother dayandthatcost and natureasawhole;thereiscostforme way givespeopleahealthierviewofcreation made, howwillIlivemylife?Thinking in this we eat, it forces us to ask: in light of the sacrifice Now knowing the sacrifice that comes with what of how one thing’s death gives life to another. implications runfardeeper.Foodisanexample is morethanjustsomethingtosustainus.Its Pollan and Salatin try toconvey: the food we eat and discard—weultimatelylosesightofwhat consumerism—a good atour disposal touse lives, yetbyviewingfoodthroughthelensof It is evident thatfoodis a big part of our death.” precious life is.Lifeissoprecious that itrequires that of Jesus enables ustopartakeofeternallifebutalsohow death sacrificial the of only not or animalinordertolive,itshouldremindus life. Hethendescribeshowmanymorechickens live foranotherday,thechicken must giveupits and afamily; in order for a familytocontinue to Pigness ofPigs,hegivesananecdoteachicken “something hastodie.”Inhisbook in order foranythingtoliveandkeepeating, to beeatingit. Farmer JoelSalatinstateshow The Omnivore’sDilemma 3 Likewise, Michael Pollan talksofthe 4 aa aa aa aa embryo (wheat) vegetable embryo (wheat)vegetable something whether seed states, “Everytimewekill and plants we eat. Salatin towards theanimals attitude a gracious and thankful this iswhyweoughttohave feeding thefamily,andthat will dieinordertokeepon , Pollanstates,“If The Marvelous satisfaction. 07 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 08 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 wine during the Passovermealasa symbol of the commonactofbreaking breadandpouring transforming by this exemplifies Jesus fashion, need forcommunitywithothers. Inquiteapoetic gifts, andour our thanksgivingoverHis good reminds us of our dependence on our Creator, to actasabridgebetweenGodandpeople;it Thus food, in its original design, was meant rely fullyonGodforstrengthandnourishment. our reliance on food indicates a spiritual need to fleshly creatures thatneedsustenance to survive,and weak, are self-sustaining. We are notinvincibleor human beings, we as that and finitude a reminderofour Food likewise is identity satisfaction. in a deeper hunger for longing, meaning, and much more than physical hunger but is rooted light, my own 2 AM ice cream therefore indicates even if others refused to doso. narratives and was willing to draw them close collectors, revealed thathewasinvestedintheir shunned in society, be they prostitutes or tax- Likewise, Jesus choosingtoeatwiththemost- was swearingallegiancetoNebuchadnezzar. culture; to partakein such a mealmeanthe unwillingness to beassimilatedthe Babylonian “defile to refusal himself” andeattheKing’sfooddemonstratedhis Daniel’s one. spiritual a as on food indicatesaspiritualneedto rely fully food, initsoriginaldesign, was meantto act on Godfor strength andnourishment.Thus sustenance to surviveandthatourreliance We are creatures weak, fleshly thatneed as abridgebetween Godandpeople... 6 Viewed in this 5
the deathHewoulddietosaveworld. Tolkien’s with afellowhumanbeing.AttheendofJ.R.R. As stated, foodis a waytobuild community elements, theylearnofJesus’sacrifice. all; byinvitingotherstoitandpartakinginits exclusive clubormembership,butisopento Passover table is not meant tobesome sort of body so that we did not have to. Likewise, the Jesus shed his own blood andbroke his own the takingoftheseelementsisareminderthat very promiseofrestorationliesinthismeal; lusts. Ironically, whenhereceiveshis desired him toobtaintheverytreasures for which he him onhisjourney,thinking theymightbetray aside those who sacrificed themselves by joining treasures, hebecomesalone rangerwhopushes Ruthless in his discovery forthedragonSmaug’s destructive. ultimately and selfish, centripetal, attest in his own life that his quest for gold is outcomes thatliebehindbothpursuits.Hecan Instead, hejuxtaposesthedeeper,spiritual to gold nor claims that the former is superior. The Hobbit, dwarf Thorin Oakenshield world.” it wouldbeamerrier above hoardedgold, and cheersong more ofusvaluedfood mournfully states, “If food, cheer,andsong physical euphoria of does notcompare the 8 HereThorin 7 The physical and spiritual strength, creation-wide ordered rightly,however, brings lifeabundant: food leads to destruction and exploitation. Food we eat, it is evident thatthis false worship of we aresoremovedfromthe processes by which hunger and turntofoodasoursalvation, or if concern ourselves solely with satisfying our own with which it ought to betreated.Whether we so manyviewfoodwithouttherightfulrespect of consumerculture, it isunderstandablewhy commercialization of foodandtheprominence aesthetic,” be theypolitical,cultural, social, religious, or whole, beliefs andpracticesintoanintegrated asRyan “when we gather andeatwe bring all of our just Thus, sacrifice. O’Dowd states in his article and share to the enjoymentoffoodindicatesawillingness gold represents infatuation with oneself, then one justlikeone’spursuitofgold.Ifhoarding is more thanjust a physicalactbutspiritual each other on through song. Eating,therefore, by sharing meals with one another and cheer individuals inviteothers into their culture family, andcommunity.Atthediningtable, Valuing these means cherishing vulnerability, cheer, and song” means something different. above others’well-being. Yet pursuing “food, desires selfish own one’s of valuing the means ultimately In Thorin’slife,thevaluingof“gold” mattered tohimmost:hisfriendsandfamily. riches, he nearly loses the verythings that of community.” the rolewhich meals canplayinthebuilding meal simplyasconsumers. They don’trealize ask forthesalt…Toomanypeoplecometoa barriers of theirdepressionwhen they haveto their isolation.Theycannotremainbehindthe communication which can bring people outof is anaturalmomentof of passingthepotatoes likewise states that“eventhesimplegesture Vanier, in her book can be cherished rather than exploited. Jean from differentbackgroundstogether;it people limits on [our] immediate needs.” consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set toward the Earth will be thatof masters, If weloseour wonder andawe,ourattitude the choices which determine our behavior. written offas‘naiveromanticism’,foritaffects has freelygivenus. This disposition cannotbe Earth, this gift of pure abundance that God Pope Francis stated,“Fallinlovewiththe well. a way to acknowledge dependence on others as to acknowledgeone’sdependenceonGod,but 9 foodseeninitsproperlightcanunite 10 Thus, food is a waynotonly Community and Growth, Thought for Food, 11 Due to the generous andimaginativeGod. for provision. Ultimately, itbrings the need for a need and insufficiencies human our of memory shalom, humanconnection, and amysterious 4 3 2 1 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 Penguin Press,2006),349. A NaturalHistoryofFourMeals. (London: (New York:FaithWords,2016),Audiobook. Respecting and Caring for All God’s Creation. archive/2015/08/millennial-foodies/401105/>. < https://www.theatlantic.com/business/ with food?”,TheAtlantic,27October2018, why-stuff-not-salvation-82837>. https://www.newsweek.com/anna-quindlen- < Newsweek, October2018, Salvation”, 27 cardus.ca/comment/article/thought-for-food/>. Magazine, 27 October 2018,< https://www. HarperCollins, 1937),19. Editrice Vaticana,VaticanCity),3. (Toronto: PaulistPress,1989),pg303. Michael Pollan, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: Joel Salatin, The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs: Joe Pinsker, “Why Are Millennials so Obsessed Anna Quindlen, “Why StuffIsNotOur Ryan O’Dowd, “Thought for Food”, Comment J.R.R. Tolkien,TheHobbit.(GreatBritain: Matthew 26:26-27(ESV) Mark 2:13-17(ESV) Daniel1:8(ESV) Pope Francis, Laudato Si. (2015 Liberia Pope Francis,LaudatoSi.(2015 Jean Vanier,CommunityandGrowth. are secretlycastles. for clotted cream and libraries that Oxford where he discovered his love This past year he studied abroad at and listeningtoChristianhip-hop. blockbusters, readingDostoevsky, he can befound analyzing summer writing poetry and performing it, and Spanish. When he is not studying English,CreativeWriting, College ofArtsandSciences Zachary Lee is a junior in the 09 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 10 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 I to change behavior? their Why should people on take such daunting challenges Exploring the relationship between Environmentalism and Christianity the environment. of Englandtookanuncharacteristic standfor into theseaeveryminute,Church dumped Spurred bynewsthateighttonsofplasticare little different:itgaveupplastic. of 2018,theChurch of Englanddidsomethinga habits, likesmoking. But fortheLentenseason temptations, such as indulgent foods or bad on the cross. Usually, the things we give upare sacrifice own Jesus’ recognize to way physical a be can small, albeit sacrifice, personal a making time for solemn remembrance and contemplation; of Jesusarea leading uptothedeath forty days soap.” bags,” and“Usebarsoap insteadofliquidhand and helpfultipslike,“Bring yourownreusable complete with daily enviro-centric Bible verses calendars their plasticwasteand provided of theircongregationto eliminateorreduce of England taking asocio-politicalstand, or Redeem? Reuse, Reduce, something up during the season of Lent. The t istypicalforsomeChristianstogive 2 Was this movement simply the Church 1 They encouraged members garbage gyre,aswirling mass ofplasticsinthe Pacific the at look a Take waste. plastic oceanic At theheartoftheseeffortsisapressingissue: these already-threatened ecosystems. pesky bacteriain plastics transmitdiseasesto showed that plastics can damage coral reefs–– England and supportersofthestraw banisa The proposed solution by both the Church of get worse. current trajectory, our plastic problemwill only use plasticsdonotsimply “goaway,”andonour stand againstthem. cities likeSanFrancisco have takenanoticeable of public concern, companies like Starbucks and for wasteful plastic consumption. In the wake straws went from ahandytoolto scapegoat ban plasticstraws. In afew short months, plastic A similar movement was seen in 2018’s frenzy to deeper? was their encouragement hinting at something North Pacific containing 87,000 tons ofdebris. containing Pacific North Recent researchfromCornelleven hurt aquatic life once ingested. down intomicroplastics which 3 by Abigail Bezrutczyk 4 These plasticsbreak 5 Single- thing incommon: their valuehas beenascribed All ofthesewaystovalue things have one to simplyknowthatthewolf existssomewhere. the wolf in Alaska,orperhaps,youarecontent you (or your grandchild) mighot someday see for both you and future generations––because you mightalsovaluethemfortheirfutureuse like to gothepark. Intheeconomist’seyes, things becauseoftheir use to you,becauseyou will giveyouafewoptions:valuethese Ask an economist about nature’s value andthey these thingsmeantous? do Pacific–what the in turtle sea the to Alaska, from the park down the block, to thewolf in value nature? This question touches everything specific dilemma often comes to light: How do we environmental science and conservation a necessary for lastingbehavioralchange. In The ascription of meaning and valueare care forandsteward. his action: creation is something he is called to a createdbeing. That understandingmotivates he knows their value.ToFrancis, sea turtlesare does itforthesakeofseaturtlesbecause he understandssomevalueinthem;theother sake oftheseaturtlesbecause reduces plastic waste for the are environmentalists.One and Billisnot,butboth and Bill. Francis is Christian hypothetical people:Francis views, let us look at two To comparethesetwo resources) reach a deeperlevel. (such asconsumingfewer caring for the environment makes our motivations for is somethingwearecalledtosteward.Thiscall the worldasGod’screation. The natural world environmentalists cannotapply:Christians see unique perspective on the issue, one that secular distinct value in it. But Christians have a care abouttheenvironmentbecausetheysee Many environmentalists,includingmyself, daunting challengestochangetheirbehavior? against this. Why should people takeon such a constraintvoluntarily addtoourlivesgoes lives easier with convenient technology and to supported. Wearealwaystryingtomakeour when behaviors are widespread andculturally changes are never an easytask, especially in turn, a change in our behavior. Behavioral of consumptionand, change inourpatterns makes it greater, through the something greater than the sum of one’s And parts. it is the act ofis act the creation that spirit that is given to it. To alive be is to be never understandhowthosepieces understand eachindividualpiece,andyetwould the smallest of parts, add them all up again, break every naturalthing in nature down to is alsoevidentinitsmystery.Youcan It the colorofbirds,diversityflowers. tears, thecalmingpresenceofarollingstream, its beauty: a landscape that brings the viewer to as something that is created? It is first evident in But others would say thatthenaturalworld has nature fitsinnicely. of this, the view that humans assign value to problems; theyareanthropocentric. Because like economics andlawarebuiltaroundhuman understand the world. Our societal structures we are humans who use our human minds to our ownheads.Wearenotall-knowingbeings, it works. After all,wecanonlyeverbeinside world mostlyoperates,andforthemostpart, more thanahumanconstruct. This ishowour Some would say no, that valueis nothing a cleanoceanstillbevaluable? humans never existed. Would trees, the wolf, or by humans. But imagine, for a moment, that understand the natural world What doesitmeanto we are. being aliveandcreated,justas of intrinsic value comesfromit not created byman. This kind and distinctother-ness: it was that comesfromitsexistence value it for itself. It is a value they cantakeastepbackand valuing nature for its utility, of people its ownvalue.Instead 11 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 12 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 to workitandtakecareofit.” took themanandputhiminGardenofEden the ChristianCreationnarrative:“TheLordGod of home and Bible the of book first the Genesis, as itiswritteninthebookof given tousfromthebeginning, God glory. The commandwas interaction, in a waythatgives urges ustoactwithcareineach stewardship and stewardship on it.” live mindful ofourrelationstoallbeingsthat and withcarethatwedonotdespoilit, hallowed, somustwedealwithitdevotedly the earth, so is the earth hallowed; and if it is belief ofcreation.Hewrote,“IfGodcreated interact withtheenvironment, centered onthe a newethicalframework for how humans should his book detail aboutthe Christian theology of creation in Bailey Hall and the first dean of CALS) wrote in Liberty HydeBailey(the namesake of Cornell’s value theenvironment. of thenaturalworld, we canchangehow we world iscreated,andwe(alsocreated)arepart of all things. In understanding that the natural the intentional, intelligent designer and Creator In theChristiantradition,Godisbelievedtobe As itiswrittenintheOldTestamentbookofJob, through thespiritthatisgiventoit. And itistheactofcreationthatmakesgreater, something greaterthanthesumofone’sparts. come togethertoformlife.Tobealiveis the loveofaCreator. Inshort, stewardship isan ocean, but becauseofthelovecreation from regulations not simplyfor the result of aclean honor God.Thesteward follows environmental that thiswork is infused with themotivationto a clean ocean in the end. But stewardship means environmental regulations, sothatwecanhave same way,wemightputalotofworkintoabiding so that we can get agoodgradein the end. In the We mightputalotofwork into aclass we hate This careisdifferentthanotherkindsofwork. and thebreathofallmankind.” In his hand isthelifeofeverycreature that thehandofLordhasdonethis? Which ofallthesedoesnotknow or letthefishinseainformyou. or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or thebirdsinsky,andtheywilltellyou; “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, 8 These words promote The Holy Earth. 7 In this work, he writes 9
6 stewardship apart from It isjoy this that sets environmentalism. 2 1 things both large and small.” teeming withcreaturesbeyondnumber—living creatures. Thereisthesea,vastandspacious, you madethemall;theearthisfull of your “How manyareyour works, Lord! Inwisdom and wonderthatiswritteninthebookofPsalms, stewardshipwiththekindofjoy We approach act ofworship. 2018. http://www.churchcare.co.uk/images/ news/1081-lent-challenge. www.churchcare.co.uk/about-us/campaigns/ 13, 2018.Accessed October 10,2018.http:// God’s creatinghand. complete when pairing environmentalismto It isdeeper, and the picture is so much more love. Itismorethanconsuminglessplastic. could be morethoughtful in our actions, more ideal peace and harmony, but perhaps that we joy. Thisisnottosaytheworldwouldbeinsome things. Most centrally, we would do this all with understand thatweareapieceofallliving humans arethecenterofitall,andinstead, We wouldtakeastepbackfromthenotionthat readily takeother living things into account. With stewardship in mind, we would more which formostpeoplemeansusingless. means usingonlywhatweneed, iced coffee.It drink and groceries carry to ways other finding we reduce our harmfulhabitsofplasticuse, pollution, protecting watersheds. It means that use of the land we live on: gardening, avoiding means wemakewise earth: ourgas,wood,food.It make wiseuseoftheresources wetakefromthe interactions withtheenvironment?Itmeanswe What doesitmeantobringstewardshipintoour that ajoy continues tomotivatethem. with filled are they it, created who created world, and thatthey are serving the one When the stewardknows that theycare for a sets stewardship apart from environmentalism. “Lent PlasticChallenge.” Accessed October 10, “Lent Challenge.”Church Care.February their conservationeffortsinto study ofecologyintogratitude, reducing intoworship, their being asteward,turns their The Christianenvironmentalist, careful ofourimpacts. 10 It is this joy that 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 Plastic_Free_Lent.pdf. h/33178-h.htm. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/33178/33178- 1916. July 15, 2010. Accessed October 10, 2018. SONS, SCRIBNER’S York, NY:CHARLES edu/about/history/. Accessed October 10, 2018.https://cals.cornell. spring-2018/. edu/news/oceanic-plastic-puts-coral-reefs-peril- Accessed October 10, 2018.https://cals.cornell. Coral Reefs in Peril | CALS. January 25, 2018. Coral ReefsinPeril.”Oceanic Plastic Puts pacific-garbage-patch.html. www.nytimes.com/2018/03/22/climate/great- 22, 2018.Accessed October 10,2018.https:// and Counting.”TheNewYorkTimes.March Patch’ IsBallooning,87,000Tons of Plastic many-2018-7. com/plastic-straw-ban-why-are-there-so- October 10,2018.https://www.businessinsider. Business Insider. September 21, 2018.Accessed Straws HasNothingtoDowithatAll.” Cities andBusinesses Are Banning Plastic Genesis 2:15(NIV) Bailey, LibertyHyde. The Holy Earth. New “A BriefHistoryofCALS.”CornellCALS. Job 12:7-10(NIV) Friedlander, Blaine. “Oceanic Plastic Puts Albeck-ripka, Livia. “The ‘Great Pacific Garbage Brueck, Hilary. “TheRealReasonWhy so Many Psalm 104:24-25(NIV) novs rtn, e, r goldfish or crackers. tea, writing, involves being outdoors, especially when it Environmental Science. She loves from Long Island and is studying Abigail Bezrutczyk is a Junior 13 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 14 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 FaeryFood unmet magnitude. speaks deeperthingsof and eventhat but thefaeryfood, that emptyaching and nonecantouch asking tobeslaked, and thirstarises A newhunger of thesoulfullake. the deep-downdredges But somethingchurns by adropit’sdrenched. bite isbesotted; Longing bya something hasbeenquenched. fuller thanever; all oflifeis tiniest ofsips, the smallestbiteor upon taking past quiveringlips, crumb comesandtumbles And afterone served byunseenhands. enchantments deepand It wasmadeby of thefaeryland. of thefaeryking, This isthefood public places oncampus. writing poetry, andnappingin drinking tea,readingC.S. Lewis, include talkingaboutgoats, globally. Hisfavoritepastimes particularly howthisvaries of peopleandlivestock interested inthepartnership of VeterinaryMedicine.Heis student atCornell’sCollege John Nystromisafirstyear by JohnNystrom B Consumption Lovesick (TB). which we now know as pulmonary tuberculosis such outlandish explanationsfor“consumption,” bacterium discovery ofthe Before RobertKoch’s1882 be dyingoftuberculosis. hysterically inlove—andIwouldalsoprobably great doctors and great poetsalike) of a woman swooning and fainting, I’dbetheidealimage(for chronically feverish, and pronetoboutsof conception of were inaconsumption. partly tosaveyour life, for Iwastold you good dayIyieldupongreatpersuasion,and Beatrice: Iwouldnotdenyyou,butbythis light Itaketheeforpity. Benedick: Come,Iwillhavethee,butbythis centuries, beenpale,skeletallyslender, if I’d etween the seventeenth and nineteenth diseased 2 romance Thedisease, which may have killedup and the M. tuberculosis -William Shakespeare, About Nothing 1 , there were many Much Ado physical, andevenemotionalfactors. of mental, attributing one’shealthtoamyriad “humors”—a tenuousandarchaicexplanation were drawn largely fromthebalanceof physicians knew this, however, explanations of rest—especially when that fragility could be of women by deemingthemfragile and in need which physicians ignored theemotionalneeds hysteria, became a patronizing mechanism by female womb.Female love melancholy, like of the a resultof“hysteria,”or themovement women suffereddrasticchanges in emotion as women because it reinforced the idea that condition was more frequently attributed to with one’s apparent emotionalanguish. This of one’sphysicalanguish intertwined thestate was known as “lovemelancholy,” which One such possible explanationforconsumption tissue and frequentlyleadingtodeath. form onthelung,deterioratingpulmonary centuries, causes alesion(or“tubercule”)to America intheseventeenththrough nineteenth to oneinfourpeopleWesternEuropeand by Brooke Lindsey 4 3 Before 15 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 16 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 a worldoftrade,ambition and‘business.’” study, who write, who remove themselvesfrom century are typically describedasthose who known as ‘hypochondriac’ intheeighteenth century scholar wrote, “Those maleswho become of an intellectual lifestyle. As one eighteenth discarded traditionalmaledominanceinfavor as hysteria, because it was applied to men who “hypochondria.” This disease was just as sexist women couldsuffer hysteria, men suffered only towomen,however.Justas not limited This romanticizedviewofconsumptionwas hypochondriacs astragicgeniuses. ethereal, inneedofsaving; itdepictedmale Consumption rendered female heroines fragile, consumption.” untimely death—preferablyabeautifulonefrom woman, shehasnoalternativebutdiseaseand themselves tomen.Whenlovegoeswrongfora literature and our lives as ever. now myth the of lovesickness—remains inour as pervasive The notion powerful of a and debilitating love melancholy— on men, and love is the way in which they link in thisculturalpattern,womenaredependent “Female love melancholy leads to consumption; Literature: The Makingofthe Romantic Disease Lawlor explainsinhis book attributed toromanticupset.Asscholar Clark 5
Consumption and 6 , stories towhich wefindourselvesdrawn? as hightheemotions. But whyarethesethe star-crossed love stories where the stakes run us or destroy us. We are enamored bytragic, idea ofalovesostrongthat itmusteithersave There’s somethingdarkly compellingaboutthe abandoned our obsession with destructive love? into a“romantic”disease. misconceptions that transformedconsumption we have failedto dismantle the verysocietal is certainlyonething,butonadeeperlevel, Melodrama for the sake of entertainment value drunk, blind,orsick. widely-shared sentiment:lovemakesyoucrazy, expect, theyareeffectivebecausespeaktoa tongue-in-cheek than the averagelistener might the restofmylife.”Whilelyricsaremore save me,mydrugis my baby,I’llbeusing for Lord Oh, / right. it doing ain’t you doesn’t, it if me crazy, she sings,“Don’tblameme,lovemade in media(frommovies,tobooks, and tosongs) It’s hardlynecessarytoenumeratetheexamples in ourliteratureandlivesasever. the mythoflovesickness—remains as pervasive love melancholy—now powerful anddebilitating have changed,itseemsthatthenotion of a understandings of pathogensandhuman biology is not distant atall. Although antiquated been eradicated,theideaof“lovesickness” now, andwhileconsumptionitselfhasnearly of hysteria and hypochondria may seem to us a dangerous degree. As distant as the notions tendency to exaltlove, romance, and passion to human the reaffirmed and reinforced it because melancholy in love the sametime,however,Ibelievethat At disease—something terrible. to love—somethingbeautiful—rather than and deathbyconsumptioncouldbeattributed health were lauded as“beautiful”andidealistic, such a fataldisease. Clear markers of declining with thecruelrealityof also anefforttodeal the “consuming” power of love. Perhaps it was consumption becameametaphoricalvehiclefor the Romanticperiodofliterature, when many authors and poets, especially during The love-driven disease became afavoriteof particular was readily adopted Swift’s “Don’tBlameMe,” obsession. Even in Taylor drinking, insanity, which destroy us: drugs, metaphorically tothings is oftenconnected unhealthy love. Love that teachustoidealize Why haven’t we more). encounters that eventually lead to something street, oronespillingcoffeeonanother—chance people running intoeachotheronacrowded suddenly andunexpectedlymeet(think two wherein a girl and guy destined to be together consumption for completion. Too often inlove, we substituteself-gratifying cute” stories remain afrequent rom-com trope they’re Often, tales of growth. than self-gratification Our mythicized romancesoftenfocusmoreon to accept this in place of long-lasting fulfillment. romantic consumption,andwetrainourselves of habit a breed they self-gratification, of means In desires. other words,whenrelationships become another other these like just commodified the euphoria that accompanies them, can be romantic relationships, especially when seeking objects, knowledge, orsex, and thepursuit of We search for completionin food, material which we desire or else give up the pursuit. in whichweeitherinstantaneouslyreceivethat Partially, we exist in a culture of self-gratification, least, fated-to-be-so at first sight. And when And sight. first at fated-to-be-so least, at sight—or first at love usually is love of kind idea thatanymeaningful,interesting,soulmate 7 Thesemoviesandnovelsreinforce the gratification as well: “meet well: as gratification instant happen toofastandeasily. rather, we aregroomedtoexpectromance We are not cultivated togrow patiently together; case ifeverythingin our love livesgoes toplan. conceptions of whatwe think idealized continue tobejustthat:people’s intimacy. Yetingeneral, fairytale romances of replacing emotional intimacywith physical at leastdialogueaboutthepotentialdangers even ifwedonotreallyinternalizethem—that We already know the dangers of self-gratification, part ofyourself. missing the complete to sufficient not is desire, has been made—and romance, like any other In reality,lovetakeswork—even after amatch happened, happilyeverafterinevitablyensues. they say “love simply happens,” and once it has Both of these views are problematic, in that American Dreamofromance. life of ease will follow. It’s the quintessential you’ll eventually earn what you want, and a waiting, orworking to wootheoneyoulove, often it’s gratification, about rewardpayoff:ifyou spend enough time instant about not it’s conversation surrounding sex, there is either. And despitethemorecontentious sadness your fix can’t Jerry’s that bingeinganentirepintofBen& “money cannotbuyhappiness,” and ought tobethe 17 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 18 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 another tolove andgoodworks.” encourages us to“considerhowstirup one Hebrews (anotherletterin theNewTestament) of book the as them, see we where love fulfilling be helpfultopointout imagesofhealthy, so manypeoplegetitwrong? It cancertainly and, yes, even some lovers—getlove So howdoallthesepeople—parents,friends, love. love theyrepresentisself-givinglove,notselfish share somethingcrucialincommon:thekindof two otherwise-dividedpeople.These examples between cultivate understandingandempathy transcend all sorts of barriers and adversitiesto extreme scale, we hear of friendships that Or, onaless one theylovesafeandhappy. everything, eventheirown life, just toseethe kind of lovewhere someone is willing to give of thelovebetweenaparentandchild—the to ourlives, day-to-day oflovedone And there are plentyofexamples,fromhistory love shouldlooklike: are given a very specific guideline of what Godly in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, we In 1Corinthians, a letterfromtheApostlePaul of loveGodly. reflection of that which He feels forus—after all, wearemadeinHisimage. feels He which that of reflection toward othersisa the love we feel love, andtherefore is thesource of all God Himself. the love of friends, family, a significant other, or is an essential human experience. Whether it is of ourcorrect lovesickness is thatitamisguidedexpression the most pressing reason for this phenomenon of need.” And they’re not exactly wrong: I think fan, and they’ll tell you that “love is all you noble human endeavors. Just ask any Beatles and universal truth that love is one of our most inclinations and intuitions. It isanobvious need toreevaluatethesourceofourromantic out ofmycold,deadhands),butIdo (you might have to pry because love is to becarefulremember,though,isthatjust endures allthings.Loveneverends.” things, believesallhopes but rejoices with the truth. Love bearsall resentful; it doesnotrejoice at wrongdoing, not insistonitsownway;itisirritableor or boast;itisnotarrogantrude. It does “Love ispatientandkind;lovedoesnotenvy intuitiveunderstandingthatlove from God doesn’t make every act The powerfulmost example of love is, of Pride and Prejudice course, source the of love Himself. 8 Whatweneed 10 Butthemost right. Think right when 9 think we loved thechurchandgavehimselfupforher.” marriage: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ Jesus andthechurch in itscommandsabout reference to thelovingrelationshipbetween serving, weshouldstrivetocultivatelovethat from oursins.Whileconsumptiveloveisself- andperfect us save to cross a on died love, selfless of image ultimate the He, self-sacrificing. Jesus offersaclearmodelthatGodlyloveis through the greatestmeansofshowing our own love is living alifeofloveentailsGodlylife, and Godabidesinhim.” love, andwhoeverabidesinloveGod, of loveHimself. As theScripture says, “Godis powerful exampleofloveis,course, the source love, neither can floods drown it.” drown floods can neither love, quench cannot waters Many Lord. the of flame the grave. Itsflashes are flashes of fire, the very that “love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the love between Christ and the Church, says Testament oftenreadmetaphoricallyasdepicting of Solomon,apowerfullovestoryintheOld true thatloveisincrediblypowerful:TheSong mistake lovesicknessis for true,Godlylove.It both givenandencouraged us to give when we We distortthegiftof he writes, however, in Shakespeare’sfamousSonnet 116, resigned themselvestoa fataldisease.Later, in fact,theyactasthough theyhaveindeed rush their cat-and-mouse romance gives them— them have inevitably succumbed to the euphoric was dyingofaconsumption. Itseemsthetwoof she acceptshimonlybecausethoughthe own wills, and one even teases the other that joke that they accept each other against their two enemies-to-lovers, Beatrice andBenedick, romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing In theopeningpassagefromShakespeare’s fullness ofGod.” the all with filled be may you that knowledge, and toknow the love ofChrist that surpasses is thebreadthandlengthheightdepth, strength to comprehendwith all the saints what being rooted and grounded in love, may have walkin to the wayofJesus, but theresult is that“you, instead choose and desires selfish It takespatienceandefforttodenyone’sown powerful love doesnotequaldebilitatinglove. God. 14 The Bible makes direct on gratifying ourselves. one anotherratherthan that is focusedonserving self-sacrificing, is real lovewhich God has 11 Therefore, just as 13 However, , the 12 we oughttobeseeking. is what makes it last. And that’sthe kind of love you, andcarriesyouthrougheveryseason.That out;” it is the kind that sustains you, nourishes sick. It isthekindthat“altersnot”but“bearsit and creation—isnotthekindthatmakesyou love between Christ and The Church, Creator love—real or phenomenon, but itisadiseasedone. Healthy I don’tdoubtthatlovesickness is a validfeeling “consumption” ofBeatriceandBenedick. the eternal love of God than the humorous resembles closely more much “ever-fixed,” and This kindoflove,which is unaltered,unfaltering, 5 4 3 2 1 Palgrave Macmillan,2006),5. The Making of the Romantic Disease (New York: the-white-plague>. tuberculosis-part-1-phthisis-consumption-and- the constant influx of these sorts ofmessages, sorts these of influx constant the being dissatisfied with their appearance. their with dissatisfied being have ledtolarger percentages ofthepopulation prevalent onvariousplatforms ofsocialmedia are that themes” fitness and “thinness the that conducted in the UnitedKingdomreported an eatingdisorder.Forexample,a2011study number ofthepopulationwhostrugglewith achieve acertainlookisleadingtoanincreasing This constantpressurebymainstreamsocietyto goes, “it’s just as hard to be Ken as it is to beBarbie.” the phrase as issue; gender-specific and never will be, goodenough. And itis not a is not, enough” messagesaysthatyourbody expectations ofbeauty,the“You’re-not-good- models settingunrealistic and photoshopped A productofourculture’sairbrushedmagazines “Focus-on-the-soul,” andthe“YOLO.” our society:the“You’re-not-good-enough,” messages relatedtobodyimagepresentin Ultimately, thereseemtobethree overarching our identityandworth? being conveyed,andwhatdotheyimplyabout appearance? Additionally,what messages are let these industries dictate our opinions about these messages. Are we aware of how much we and whattruths, if any,wecan decipher from ways— more or one in flawed seriously is body body dysphoria—theobsessive idea thatone’s By GraceChoi 3 With including guilt andeatingdisorders. Ironically, creates yetanother set ofnegative consequences “treat yourself because it’sallgoingtobeokay” consequence sounds great intheory, the ideaof food intheworldwith absolutely noguiltor physical health. And while eating all the comfort important needs, like taking careofmentaland indulgence without recognition of personal and prominent celebritiespromotesaculture of self- errors. This sort of mindset advocatedbyseveral for makingcareless,evenimpulsive, has also transitioned into an excuse may sound, the use of this phrase without regrets. As wonderful as it to itsabsolutefullest,alifetrulylived encourages the pursuit of a life lived mantra. Inessence, “YOLO” Once,”—is now a widelyadopted an abbreviationof“YouOnlyLive “The Motto,”thephrase“YOLO,”— Originating from Drake’s 2011 hit message isthe“YOLO”message. However, anequallydamaging worth. see her inner self as synonymous to her entire entirely. Thisleadsoneto the physicalbody in satisfying thespiritual being but neglecting ones that matter.This leads toa full indulgence message that our spiritual beings are the only need improvement,countless others convey the bodies physical our that us tell may influencers or friend. own body and directtheirfocus on beingabetterperson their in confident be to country the Beauty” Campaignencourages women across onset ofcampaignssuch as theDove“Real focus must solelybeuponour inner self. The bodies are already perfect. As a result, our “Focus-on-the-soul” mantra claimsthatour focuses solely on the physical body, the latter conveyed within our society. While the former ofthe opposite the “You’re-Not-Good-Enough” messageheavily find also we Conversely, worth. which equates outwardappearancewith self- Itis the mirror. an endlesscycle,thatcarriesaharmfulmantra peace in find see to you struggle reflection the withthe to end no is there balance between thethree? wholeheartedly,we can strikeappropriate an If noneofthesemantrascanbefollowed 4 Additionally,whilemanysocialmedia we arecalled redeemed. precious, In God, valued, and Lord.” the Lord’sanointedstandshere before the ofaKingandremarks, the appearance “Surely have to Eliab finds Samuel David. King become younger brother, a humbleshepherd, would soon the three? can we strike an appropriate balance between these mantrascanbefollowedwholeheartedly, society at large lead tobadendings. If none of seem tobelargevoicesonsocialmediaand different perspectives,allthree messages that Although approachingthesametopicfrom consequences of allthreeoftenendupthesame. enough” and“Focus-on-the-soul”mindsets,the concentrated concerns of the“You’re-not-good- even thoughthe“YOLO”mindsetrejects the given byGod. our spiritual bodies because this identity has been tovalue motivation the find we this, from called precious, valued, and redeemed.Rooting through Jesus says otherwise. In God, we are a creationofGodandas childforgivenbyGod being enough. However, the identity we hold as often leadustothinkwewillneveramount fearfully and wonderfully. God’s masterpiece,andhavingbeenmade the Lordlooksatheart.” look at. People look at outward appearance, but him. TheLorddoesnotlookatthethings people his appearance or his height, for I haverejected are told toguardit. the Bible to one’s spiritual condition, and we The “heart”ofapersonisoftensynonymousin 5 Tothis, God responds, “Do notconsider sees Eliab, theoldestbrother. His people ofIsrael.Samuel,uponarriving, the for king new a find to orders God’s prophet Samuel arrives at ahouse on Samuel intheOldTestament, tohighly Inthebookof1 value appearance. desire human the confirms Interestingly enough, the Bible Humankind isdescribedasbeing holds ofincredible worthandvalue. an intrinsic identity thateach of us this emphasisontheheartreveals In regardstothespiritualaspect, our physicalandspiritualbodies. the importanceoffocusonboth image, itstresses the realmofbody describe our innermost being,andin is mentioned310times.Ourhearts that incomparison, the word“love” 380 times. the KingJamesVersion of theBible 7 8 The term is mentioned in That is significant, given significant, is That 9 6 Societal standards 21 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 22 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 2 1 person holdsasacreationofGod. emphasizing theunchangeable identity each for both physical and spiritual care, while also in theBible,which highlights theimportance of these is found through a perspective found all needs to be prioritized. The culmination of all They in. value find reiterate thephysicalorspiritualbodythat can we that truth of “YOLO” messagesallhavecertain elements good-enough,” the“Focus-on-the-soul”, and the of beautyarenotanexception.The“You’re-not- abundance ofdifferentsubjectmatter,standards In a world of a plethoraof opinions on an that builds profits. (Gretna, LA: Pelican Pub. Pelican 2008) LA: (Gretna, profits. builds that our physicalhealthaccordingly. need to strive to treat it as such and prioritize our bodies are “temples of God” and thus we achieve these impossible standards. However, in popularculture and judgewhentheydonot set out of beauty same unachievablestandards same light, it is unfair to hold others to the ofphysical mold perfection that society sets out for us. In the the fitting about obsess not the care of our physical bodies as well. We need Given ourincredible worth,wearetoprioritize Gallivan, H.R.“Teens,Social MediaAnd Ramsey, L.Mannersthatsell:Addingthepolish 10 Gallivan-Spring-2014.pdf> Teens-social-media-body-image-presentation-H- wp-content/uploads/2014/05/18_Gallivan_ 17 October2018, - S P According to this definition, sacrifice has little to your beliefs.Thedictionaryagrees: for bigthingslike your country, your family,or How doweworshipwithourwallets? higher oramorepressing claim.” English as having,a something having,orregarded Oxford something valued or desired for the sake of the Dictionary, is “thedestructionorsurrender of says “Sacrifice,” sounds grand and serious, something youdo acrifice, as an idea, seems abstract. The word ocketbook 1 P Some elements ofconsumptionare visibly every timeweconsume. who tospendourtimewith—and itispresent whenever we choose how to spendour time or itself presents Sacrifice lives. everyday our woven into is sacrifice that means This up. give to we valueand,inturn,howmucharewilling simple—and the is sacrifice daily—act of priority-setting. We decide what core, its at But, do withordinarylife. aganism by AmyCrouch 25 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 26 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 roofs oftheirfactorybysupervisors. 20 moreemployeesbeingtalkeddownfromthe pushed 18employeestosuicideinoneyear,with dehumanizing conditions; stress andoverwork that Applefactoriessubjecttheirworkers to tech industry. In 2010, investigations revealed A similarly horrific system of abuses supports the 40.3 millionpeopleinmodernslavery2016.” contributing to “aglobaleconomythattrapped chain areimportedannuallybyG20countries,” risk of including modern slaveryin their supply report, “$127.7 billion worth of garmentsat According tothe2018GlobalSlaveryIndex slavery acrosstheglobe.” supporters of modern one ofthebiggest industry, forexample,“is The modern fashion routinely sacrificelife. world’s biggestindustries is notanexaggeration:the and evenhumanlives.This natural of resources, worker time, sacrifices to of physicalproductsleads the list. Our consumption lower on much moreadded clothing at thetopand of purchase, we arecreatingaprioritylistwith garment. But, in fact, when we make this kind mall may the seem likeasimpleexchangeofmoneyfor from ashirt Buying sacrifices. But ourconsumption isalsorifewithhidden money inthebank. product willgiveussomethingbetterthan because we believe thatsome other physical money wehaveearnedatwork, for instance, protest “immensestress,longworkdaysand Apple workers 150 threatenedmasssuicideto 2 want ustosacrificethem—and accessories ceaselessly,givingup Just likeancientgods,thesegods they’re succeeding.Ourmodern gods arewinning;we’rebuying our ownwealthandthelivesof others inthehopesthatads technology, clothing,food,and 4 In2012, speak thetruth. 3 in sacrifice is, in one form or another, life oranother, form one in itself.” is, sacrifice in this anupside-downprioritylist. trades human flourishing for sacrifice cash. Most would consider of kind this better, something Rather sacrifice. disordered than giving up something good for the sake of diabolically a is a blindeyetoblatanthumanrights abuses. It cheaply andquickly, companies globallyturn Few peoplewould seetheobjectsofmodern changed. has sacrifice of element this that seem placate powerful gods. explicitly were religious; priests offeredcropsandcows to sacrifices ancient Moreover, to bepartofthefabricdailylife. anddemanded more, as What’s accepted sacrifice. often was for sacrifice place fitting a as sacrifices were offered, were specifically reserved for therite.Altars,ritualtablesonwhich with grandtemplesandsacredspacesprepared publicized, highly been has sacrifice history, of This hasn’talwaysbeentrue.Atothertimes neatly sweepslaveryandsuicideundertherug. are hushed up; public relations companies sacrifices modern Our colorful. more somewhat were sacrifices ancient However, goals. other of humans have beengivinguplife for the pursuit consuming theproductby fireorburial. not were sacrifices eaten bypeople,therewas stillanemphasison the if Even consecration. offerings among priests orlaityfollowing their was sacrificing from JudaismtoHinduismdistributed consumption: meal-making. Ritesfromreligions ranging with linked deeply were now, as just past, the of Sacrifices help illuminateourhiddenhabits. can sacrifice of acts overt more these studying visible, less are sacrifice of habits modern our promises of benefits.” workers for mistakes, of unfair fines and unkept harsh managers who were prone to humiliate 6 Since the beginning of recorded history, 5 To create consumer goods 9 “what isalwaysoffered Britannica As the the sameessence. But they’veshared throughout history. have worn different faces sacrifices these people. Certainly, as long as there have been for sacrificing people havebeen modern invention— consumption is no Sacrifice Superficially, it may it Superficially, Encyclopedia points out, 7 Because 8 for the next generation.” a PatekPhilippe.Youmerelylookafteritfor Patek Philippeasserts: “You neveractuallyown creates morethantherewasbefore. world inthatHecanredeemsacrifices; He Our Godisuniqueamongallthegods ofour company watch Luxury worth. human affirm that purchasing from L’Orealwillliterally and shampoos“becauseI’mworth it,” promising giant L’Oréalurgeswomentobuytheirlipsticks and moreserioussetofpromises.Cosmetics realize thatwearebuyingintoamuchgreater at advertising for any product should make us don’t justbuyshoes to protectourfeet.Alook we arebuyingmorethanaphysicalgood.We iPhone, an or cauliflower, out-of-season of head But in reality, when we buy apairof sneakers, a pyres. sneakers seems a far cry from burning cattle on consumption as gods, and buying a pairof Just like ancient gods,these gods wantus to promises ofgods. promises of simplephysical goods. They are the your children’schildren. These arenot the will leave inheritances for your children and that youwill leave amarkonEarth,that you “this watchsignalsyourstatus.”Theypromise tells time” or “this watch looks snazzy” or even watches promise far morethanjust “this watch 10 Patek Philippe’s $25,000 cheaper. are outselling products thousands of times market forcosmetics. aresucceeding. they L’Oreal is the leader of the booming worldwide them—and to sacrifice for his court, inviting leading menandmilitary of Mark, the localkingHerodthrows abanquet striking juxtaposition. Inchaptersixofthe book gospel writerMarkillustrates thiswitha into anactofproduction, notdestruction. The redeem them.Jesus’gospel turnsconsumption and together consumption and sacrifice weave The accounts of his ministry depicted in the Bible human skin and bones in the person of Jesus. in thework of this kindofgod,onewho took on In fact,theChristian faith tellsastoryanchored sacrifice looklikewithsuchagod? Wegive self-worth. woman’s every affirm to it is debatable how much L’Oréal actually wants They prizeourconsumption,nothappiness— Philippe do not have our best interests at heart. The problemis, the godsofL’OrealandPatek the truth. lives of others in the hopes that the ads speak ceaselessly, giving upourownwealthandthe buying technology,clothing, food, andaccessories 12 Our modern godsare winning; we are of humans at heart? What would flourishing the have did god—who But whatifthereweregods—ora their adsandproductcopy. never deliver on the promisesfrom our all tothese gods, buttheywill 11 PatekPhilippe’swatches 27 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 28 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 Jesus; through being crucified, Jesus brought more life than there was before. His offer of Jesus crucified, being through consume Jesus; not thefive did crucifixion of The with. started the feeding thousand, Jesusendedup withmorethanhe like just sacrifices, Yet Christians believe thatthrough these suffocate. torturous death. He was hung from nails to and gruesome a crucified, be to up Jesus himself gave that dinner, following that is sacrificial What’s evenstranger, more shocking, more sacrificial. shocking, life—strange, have could to consume Hisvery bodyandbloodsothatthey the nightHewasbetrayed,toldHisfollowers right-way-up. Having supper with his friends right-side outand and upsidedown,ormaybe Jesus turns consumption and sacrifice inside out In the central miracle of the Christian faith, started with.Theyconsumewithoutsacrifice. Jesus’s bread andareleftwith more thanthey a usingupofsomething.Buthere,crowdeats consuming is five a sacrifice; it is always a giving up, the of consumption inthisworld. In ourbroken world, feeding the In thousand, Jesus breaks the sinful pattern of not. Indeed off? What doesthismean?IsJesus merely showing crowd andtheyleavebasketfulsofleftovers. whole the among it divides fish, two and bread of loaves five taking Jesus, But notice. minute’s thana more takes generally thousand five for disciples arefrustratedbytherequest;food the Understandably, crowd. the for food find to he noticestheirhunger and tellshisdisciples After Jesus preaches to a crowd of five thousand, consumption, Mark relates a contrasting event. after thisexampleofbroken Immediately consume. still makeinourdesireto we sacrifices of festal kinds the the entertainment parallels to sacrifice seem tomix.ButJohn’s heads andbanquetsdonot image, tobe sure; bloody the feast. It’s a gruesome has theheadbroughtinto plate. Herodcompliesand John’s head on a silver John the Baptist, requests contemporary prophet the against grudge mother’s her by influenced “up tohalfof[his] kingdom.” Theyounggirl, king somuchthathepromisesheranything, dancer, Herod’s niece as it happens, pleases the commanders tofeastwithhim.Oneparticular 13 right-way-up. inside outandupsidedown— or, mayberight-sideoutand In thecentralmiracleof side outandright-way-up. Christian faith,Jesusturns consumption andsacrifice 14 or,mayberight- 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 we cansacrificetotheonetrueGod. or idols, to sacrifice can We whom. to and going are sacrifices our where at carefully look can we will not havemiracles every timewe have lunch, we While action. divine this reflect humbly can there wasbefore.Ouractsofconsumption,then, than more creates He sacrifices. redeem can He is consumption encouraged sacrifices and of kinds the sacrifice like nothing of vision This brings morelifetoall. consumption does notdestroyhis life, rather, it sacrifice/109492>. academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/article/ hs definition This 33 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 34 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 as ourselves. concludes that thesecond is toloveour neighbor with thewholeheart,mind,andsoul,Healso He not only announces that itis to love God asked whatthegreatestcommandmentis, New Testament.Forexample,whenJesusis focused lifestyleisalsoechoedthroughoutthe devotedly thinkingofourneighbors. and but alsomeansobeyingHiscommandments walk, spiritual our of process sanctification the strengthening of our relationship with Him or to on God’swordsnotonlyreferstothe meditating effects facets). Meditation also encompasses the our neighbor. part ofthepurposelaw;tobringabout good for our neighbor and uphold the law in their regard. This is If we love God and uphold His law,then we must love between Godandman. the properwaytogoaboutactions that arein neighbors whereas the remaining four indicate indicate how one should act with regards to one’s specifically Commandments Ten the of six God, ultimately means of respecting and worshipping are While alltheofthesecommandments how the children of Israelwere meant tobehave. form of the Ten Commandments, instructions for In theOldTestament,GodgaveMoses,in in whichwe treat God.Andwhenour natureis we treatour neighbor isasymbolfortheways the king. these was equivalent to a lack of aid towards the righteous’ lack ofaidtowardtheleast of kingdom gates. In response, the king says that ask why they are not able to enter through the kingdom. The righteous, understandably upset, neglected toclothe and feedtheleastof into hiskingdom.Why?Becausetherighteous this story, the king does notlettherighteous the parableof“TheKing and His Kingdom.” In the Mount of Olives in the Book of Matthew, tells Jesus once again makesthisclearwhen He, on of thelaw:tobringaboutgoodforourneighbor. law in their regard. This is partofthepurpose then wemustloveourneighborandupholdthe the sameway,ifweloveGodandobeyHislaw, then wearelovingGodandobeyingHislaw.In neighbor and upholdthelawintheirregard, are intertwined. Jesus says that if we love our based upontheoriginalTenCommandments— ofthispondering.Bennettclaimsthat 10 According to this scripture, the way 9 These two commandments—both 8 Thiscallforanothers- 7 our thinking, is absentofself-absorption, wecan we rememberthatourmeditation, andtherefore neighbor is not aboutus; it is about God. When Mindful meditationof ourselves andofour call ustoloveoneanother justasHelovesus. love, wemustkeepHiscommandments, which in God’s Christian Gospel,ifwedesiretoabide As it is written in John 15: 9-17,abook of the presence andlife. refers tothesimpleawarenessofourneighbor’s subsequent physical execution, while the latter requires learningtoloveandcareinthought and beingmindfulofour neighbor. The former the difference between thinking of our neighbor as well. Bennett also reminds us to beaware of God, butourdailyinterpersonal interactions that so complete it encompasses not onlyour relationship with is fulfilment and fulfilment. peace and This peace of sense a reach to able intent to bemindful of our neighbor—we are emotions—as well as God’swords with the a day, and contemplatingon our thoughts and emotions. Byturningallnoiseoff,atleastonce complete awarenessofone’sthoughtsand initially void of self-focus and calls for the is Bennett’s takeonChristianmeditation all. meditation, we have no thoughts or emotions at possible; in order toreach the “goal”ofBuddhist there is no tangible explanationof how this is leads topersonalandinterpersonalharmony, meditation andattainmentofenlightenment Though Buddhism claims that the practice of are notofferedbyother forms of meditation. inclined towardsourneighbor.Thesethreeends we alsoimproveourselves and becomemore meditation, notonlydoweglorifyGod,but time dailytowardsthe practices of silence and consumption. Bydevoting amounts ofmedia indulgent andharmfulhabitofunhealthy and dissatisfaction that comes from the self- meditation offers a solution to the self-absorption Providentially, Bennett’sconceptofChristian awfully daunting. self-absorbed andindulgent,thisnotionbecomes how weoughttolovethem). loves ourneighbors(which is think of them)and howGod (which is how we should God thinks of our neighbors reminded oftwothings: what word, weareconstantly while on meditating God’s By thinking of our neighbor not inourselves. and fulfilment, peace, harmony—things that areonly found in God, true us brings what is instead ofactsself-indulgence. This pursuit time; we can decide to pursue acts of selflessness then bemoremindfulofwhatwe do with our 3 2 1 article/nirvana/55914 https://academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/ ed., s.v.“Nirvana,”accessedOctober30,2018, Brazos Press,2017. Life oftheWorld.GrandRapids,Michigan: Practices ofLove:SpiritualDisciplinesforthe com/dictionary/escapism. October 30, 2018,http://www.merriam-webster. Encyclopaedia BritannicaOnline,Academic Bennett, KyleDavid,andJamesSmith. Merriam-Webster, s.v. “escapism(n.),”accessed and eveningroutines,thatusuallyinvolve watching Netflix ortelevision,listeningtomusic a podcast, 3. Praywithoutceasing(forourselves,forothers, in 4. Usetimes,suchascooking,commuting, morning 1. Scheduleaspecific,regulartimeandplacefor Bennett’s Simple Stepsto 2. ReadandcontemplatetheBibledaily Practicing Meditation Adapted byPaolaMendez praise, inconversation) to prayorcontemplate. daily meditation 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 Matthew 22:37-40(ESV) Exodus 20:1-17(ESV) Bennett, PracticesofLove,69-74. Joshua 1:8(ESV) Bennett, PracticesofLove,68 Bennett, PracticesofLove,67 Matthew 25:36-40(ESV) varies. in abook...orheadtheclouds,it a library,coffeebyhersideandnose found underatreeorinthenookof prose oradmiringart,shecanbe Literature. Whensheisn’twriting Houston, Texas,studyingEnglish PaolaMendezisasophomorefrom 35 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 36 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 God wouldhaveitotherwise. lost crowdtheminduntilwearegone,gonethough of ashliningtheskin.Thoughtswhatwehavesince Our eyesdrawneartoweariness.Tearsbecomescores pleasure. to hearing.Evenintimesofjoy,wethanktheworldforits indulging intheheart-beatsongwearesoaccustomed We dependonpain,placeourheadsitsbosom, constant. in itspresence,mirage.Often,itistheonlything after awhile,becomesdayjob.Wegainconsolation This weightisaburden,heavyyokethat, love you. strapped acrossyourtorsobyonewhomayornot It isnotalwaysearned.Sometimes,itforcibly This backpackissomethingyoucan’tbuyatastore. Carrying by James Seaton enemies wouldhaveitotherwise. lost vanishintheseprofoundmoments,though fall betweenourknees.Thoughtsofwhatwehavesince Our eyesarewidewithexcitement.Tears,aradiantblue, fulfillment. enough. Evenintimesofsadness,wethankGodforits delighting intheheart-beatsongwecanneverhear We dependonlove,placeourheadsitsbosom, constant. in itspresence,truth.Often,itistheonlything after awhile,becomeslifeoffire.Wegainwarmth This weightisaburden,lightyokethat, loves you. lodged inthebone-deepwoundsofOnewho It isneverearned.Always,itlatchedontoacross, This backpackissomethingyoucan’tbuyatastore. Carried with awkward facialexpressions. he’s probablyterrorizinghis friends poetry, orleapingintoasand pit, CALS. Ifhe’snotstudying, writing Island studyingCommunication in James Seatonisasenior from Long by James Seaton 37 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 38 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 place like centuries, it hasproducedmore books,music, of anidealhomeevenmore; forthepastseven dwelling. German culture reveres this concept our homeisnotabeautiful islandormountain for thesecuritythatcomes withhome,evenif been to Kansas, we can understand the longing middle of bleak Kansas. Even if we have never home might be with an aunt and uncle in the to afamiliarandtrustedhome—evenif that and herloyaldog,Toto,butthedesiretoreturn relatable isnotthefantasticaltravelsofDorothy What makes reflects ourdesires How culture the weconsume HEIMAT There The Wizard of Oz by Elizabeth Schmucker ‘s no lovableand goodness of the desire and holds that no stifling no that holds and desire the of goodness the affirms however, Christianity, ideal. lesser a for Heimat substitute or stifle to many leads is the problem But that the longing remains unquenched, which books. and films through to portraythis have beenmanyattempts ideal home withcomfortandacceptance.There desire that we share when we long for an ideal being. Heimat is an example of the universal ideal physicalplaceaswellemotionalwell- culture comes from anunmetdesirefor both an I proposethatthisbuildingblockofGerman concept ofHeimat? concept, and why are theyconsumed by the consume somanybooksandmoviesaroundthis incorporate Heimat. Why do so many Germans compounds, hasacoupledozenwordswhich The German language, infamous for its many even hasafederaldepartmentfor Heimat. Heimatkunde, and the German government about thelocalhistoryandenvironmentcalled school studentsmusttakeacourselearning regions have localHeimatmuseums, elementary a unique word for this concept: Heimat.Most consumed byit,thattheGermanlanguagehas obsessed withthistopic,onecouldevensay The collectivemindofGermany’sculture is so English-speaking world. poems, andmoviesonthisconceptthanthe back at the“goodole’days”when gas was a once, translates well into English; it is looking loves Kansaswhensheleaves.Thisconcept,for they lack it. In so long; people think of Heimatthe mostwhen Germans have beenconsumed by this word for a bond. The second emotion pointstothe reason me, Iunderstandandknow them, andwehave explain myself:thepeopleunderstandandknow is soloved;in my Heimat,Idonothaveto yearning). Geborgenheit points towhy Heimat a rough translation can be offered; a nostalgic is also associated with Sehnsucht (yet again, only belongs andisunderstood)but,simultaneously, feeling ofsecurityorcomfort,asifone (another hardtotranslateword,roughlythe associated withGeborgenheit is partially well. It Heimat carries strong emotionalsentimentsas birth, oraruralvillage. nature, such as the Linden tree, one’s place of connections to physicalconceptsassociatedwith homeland. Since the 15th century, it has carried word, Heimatwouldtranslateashomeor place aswellemotional well-being. from anunmet desire for both anideal physical This buildingblockof Germanculture comes in different eras. If one had to choose a single and italsohasbeenusedwithdifferentnuances ofboth sense a physical location and emotionalattachment, itcaptures define; to difficult in theGermanlanguage,termHeimatis one ofdesire, should examinethemeaningofHeimat.Even nature the understand first To Heimat, willberealizedinheaven. is needed;our desire foranacceptinghome,or The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy only enjoy them. The academics wantedtopoint out are cheesyandlowcaliber, manypeoplestill be comparedtoHallmark movies; although they cheesiness and sentimentality. These films could by theEnglishlanguage combining theideasof kitsch. Kitsch is anotherGermanwordborrowed back againstthisgenrebecause itwasseenas In the60’sand70’s,manyacademicspushed just whentheidealismostlacking. ideal, likethedesireforHeimat,isstrongest, the for desire The provide. could films the that the audiencewaslonging for the Heimatideal because afterhavingjustlosttheirownHeimat, same storyarcofthebeautifulcountrycouple the with each films, 250 produce could industry WWII to then East and West Germany. The film controlled bytheSovietUnionatendof speaking peopleandGermancitizens from land million German- the forcedmigrationof12-16 (lost Heimat).This“losthome”termrefersto his past,laments“verloreneHeimat” about answer. Themaleprotagonist,whenasked this fantasy.Onekeyelementalludestothe this rational culture would be obsessed with agrarian lifestylesomuch?Itisabsurdthat known for engineeringexcellence, revere this The question remains: why did the Germans, familial contact. as itsconnection tochildhoodmemoriesand village mountainlife, for bothitsbeautyaswell small apartment. The film idealizes Heimat as a are alsocontrastedwithfailedmodernartina hunting and deerrunning through mountains dwelling modernartist.Longscenes of eagles woman chooses a forest ranger over a city- a beautifulyoung life inthecity.Forexample, and classical music with fast-paced modern pre-industrialization nature,traditionalattire, sets upadrasticoppositionbetweentheidyllic two youngloversinsomescenic natural setting. plotinvolving shallow same the had films 250 physical andemotionalsecurity. Each ofthese for desire this fulfill to attempted have people on Heimatdemonstratedonewayinwhich based genre film new popular a 60’s, and 50’s the In physical. humanity, thisdesireisemotional,andnotjust buck a gallonandlifewassimple.Atthecoreof million views in theaters. The film The theaters. in views million vom Silberwald,andboastsof28 Förster Der Heimat-film, a indeed is time all of film German grossing people German readily consumed them;the highest the nature, flat And, despitetheirrepetitiveand 39 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 40 Cornell Claritas Spring 2019 but they want to see their desires fulfilled. The fulfilled. desires their see to want they but of popularity; peopledonotjust want tothink, situation. This is perhaps the reason for its lack butit one think, about the did notofferanything redemptive made successfully film The but wasatotalbustwith thepopularaudience. filmcritics with successful very was film This ofthe failure ultimate idealized pictureofHeimat. the signifies ending of all of the villagers involved. This disastrous execution the with ends film The offers. Heimat marriage, failtofollow through on thepromises the emotionalconnections to people,such as in connections to the land,such as farming, and of romanticlove.Boththe wedlock andnotbecause they hadachild out of only gets married because are also strained: acouple tax money. Relationships by raidingawagonfullof to gainwealth attempts consequently, thevillage rather thanwealth; that bringsworries it seems. Farming is back-breaking work Heimatfilms. the Everything idealized,however, is notwhat of community idealized the der of another German village which represents Reichtum plötzliche armen LeutevonKombach(1971)tellsthestory Das example, For outthe to point delusion oftheHeimatfilms50’s. arose (or films) anti-Heimatfilms Heimat as critical known genre new A working in harmonywithnatureneverexisted. of livingand it tobe;theidyllicimage portray films as simple and clean as not is reality that German sociologistHartmut place turbulence duringthe anything thatholdsonein Rosa offers metaphor the of ananchor asHeimat, of life. does onereally havetosettleforgiving uphalf it claims that our desire is wrongly placed. But abstract, emotional feeling of home. In a sense, component ofHeimat,leaving us with only the less than we desire. It takes away thephysical that it tells us we need to settle for something is however, definition, Rosa’s with problem The stability duringlife’sproblems. the traditional of understanding of Heimat; theyprovidesome half one fulfill they that in the individual.Thesesuggestionsmakesense by defined comfort other any or ideals, political of life. that holds one in place during the turbulence the skyloungeofairlineLufthansaifone’s in Heimat finding suggest Some emotional. the behind the physical desire for Heimat for solely one’s finding Heimat. Butin seeking alternatives, we leave to solutions alternative offered village idealseemsunattainable.Others have In our globalized andindustrialized world, the criticism cannotwashaway. home, adesirethat desire foranidealized continues toshowtheuniversalandpersistent life, even ifnotrealistic, feels good. This feeling happy imageofreturning to abalancedfarm 2 Heimatcould then be family,asetof job requires constant travel. anchor as Heimat, anything Rosa offers the metaphor ofan German sociologistHartmut home isGerman. they feelat but thelanguagein which English, French,andGerman, they canspeak,read,andwrite language theirHeimat;perhaps German authors, consider a Some, such as manyexiled 1 Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” [Heimat] isinheaven,andfromitweawaita Heimat in Philippians 3:20, “But our citizenship Other German translations have also used translation themotifofleavingone’sHeimat. and wereexiledfromtheGarden. damaged their perfect relationship with God God andateofthefruit not allowedthem,they Garden ofEden,when Adam andEvedisobeyed that thingsarenotallgoodintheworld.In current state of things, Christianity also affirms points outthatthere is something lacking in the ideals abundance ofsuggestionsHeimat that theworldiscurrentlyfallen.Justas Furthermore, the Christian tradition asserts might lookintothepastforidealHeimat. one why for explanation an offers It definition. desire foraphysicalplace,incontrasttoRosa’s for fruit. both spiritual––forGod––butalsophysical–– sojourns.” to theearth,onwhich he, as guestor foreigner, “For theChristian,heavenisHeimat,incontrast of definition the Heimat includes this connection to Christianity. of part Dictionary, English Grimm dictionary, comparable to the Oxford integral part of the Christian tradition. In the as beingfoundinheavenhasbeenan Heimat logically deduced because of the belief that Jesus, something veryphysical. Thiscanalsobe after Christ’s return. These descriptions imply “new heavenandnewearth” thatwouldarrive from the New Testament, describe the coming 2 Peter3:13andRevelation 21,bothpassages promise ofaperfectphysical realitytocome. Christianity offers additionally, however, the they losttheirperfecthome. Eden, which was “verygood.” Adam andEvelivedin the perfect Garden of creation, God createdthe world as good,and view of physical andgood.Inthetraditional somewhere for desire the affirms tradition this Heimat fits with the Christian tradition because will give this land.’” spoke tomeandswore to me,‘ToyouroffspringI from thelandofmykindred[Heimat],andwho heaven, who took mefrommyfather’shouse and to thePromisedLand.“TheLord,Godof God’s commandtoleavehishomeandtravel term inGenesis24:7when Abraham talksabout translation, usesthe Martin Luther,inhis1545 found inGermantranslationsoftheBible. One useofHeimatthusfarnotmentionedis Forthis for Heimat? answer, wecanlooktoourfinalhome. longing the fulfilling to of the ideal, or is there an alternativesolution 7 In this way, Christianity affirms the affirms Christianity way, this In 5 3 Thus, Luther affirms in this 6 Their desires were 4 This concept of 8 Through this, away.” pain anymore,fortheformerthingshavepassed neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, as aplace where “He [God]will wipe awayevery live. In Revelation 21:4, John describes heaven well. Physical bodies require a physical place to body and has promised us physical bodies as andresurrection,after Hisdeath hasaphysical 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 woerterbuchnetz.de/cgi-bin/WBNetz/wbgui_ Schmucker, 17 October 2018, The Chesterton House Literary resources, encouragement, and partnership Christian Union at Cornell Financial contributions The Carriage House Cover photo food offerings and setting SUBMISSIONS If you should like to contribute an essay, review, or artwork, we invite you to contact the editors and discuss your ideas. We also accept unsolicited manuscripts, although we reserve the rights to publish submissions that are appropriate to the mission, tone, and standard of quality of the journal. We also welcome letters to the editor. You can contact the editors or submit a manuscript by emailing [email protected]. CONTACT US Visit us online at www.cornellclaritas.com to learn more, subscribe, and join the conversation. 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