A Reformed Monthly 76th Year of Publication | March 8, 2021 | No. 3123 $5.00

Easter Issue Christ-centred. Creative. Canadian. Continued on page 2 Continued and an anxious foreboding takes hold of my soul. All of creation is about to grieve in darkness, the very earth is about to be shaken its core, but there is no one there. Apart from this desolate man on a death march, there is nothing animate in this cityscape. Not a tree to be found, nor so much as a blade of grass No animals, not even a rat. No birds of the air, even the starlings have disappeared. A Via Dolorosa for a pandemic. Via A The streets are empty. How lonely sits the city that was once full of people. Under an ominous sky, perhaps a portent of what is to come, when the sun would refuse to shine, the lonely Jesus is walking out of frame. The longer I look, the deeper disquiet, “Jesus carries the cross” by James B. Janknegt James B. (bcartfarm.com). by carries the cross” “Jesus women? picture. No one shaking their heads in horror. The streets are empty in James B. Janknegt’s portrayal of Jesus carrying his cross. Where are the daughters of Jerusalem, wailing and beating their breasts? or Magdalene, the other Where is his mother, Not even his most beloved disciple is in the A black Christ carries his own lynching tree, A but this is no white supremacist rally, Proud Boys nor the QAnon devotees neither the have shown up. Alone. Forsaken. Brian Walsh DISRUPTION ISSUE DISRUPTION THE A COVID VIA DOLOROSA VIA COVID A This year, our loneliness deeply resonates with the forsaken Christ. But take Christ.take But forsaken with the resonates deeply our loneliness year, This heart! | Resurrection is coming. It is the forsakenness of it all. Long before that piercing cry, Eloi, lama sabachthani, long before that God-forsakenness on the cross, Dolorosa. Via Jesus is forsaken on the Here on that road of sorrow, he is devastatingly alone. No one leading him out. No jeering crowds. No virus-carrying spittle. No bloodthirsty mobs. No mocking soldiers. No politicians inciting a riot. No one washing their hands of any responsibility. No one to bear witness.

MAIL TO:

PM# 40009999 R9375 PM# 12 | Church reimagined 15 | The scent of salvation News

VIA DOLOROSA CONTINUED no assistance to extend, with eyes opened anew to the forces of death, to this forsaken man carrying a cross. we can join the procession. Jesus walks down a city street, devoid of even a few stones on the side of the road. Is that a church that we see just behind Jesus? Maybe for the first time our own loneliness There will be no crying out on this lonely parade. But it too is empty. can deeply resonate with the forsakenness of this Christ. Neither loud “hosannas” nor screams of “crucify him!” There is no one to come outside to see their saviour, no one to offer him a drink of water, And maybe beyond that ominous sky At this moment of utter abandonment, no one to weep for him. we can catch a glimpse shattering betrayal, and heart-breaking denial, The church is as empty and as lonely as the city. of the shell-pink dawn of resurrection. Jesus walks to the cross without witnesses. The city bears mute witness, Maybe beyond that city of death Save two. but there is no one there. we can imagine a new city, Nor is there even anywhere for people to live. with streets for living in, The city itself, This is a cityscape of institutions of commerce, a treed city with living waters, and us. government and religion, a city of renewed joy. but it is not a place of human habitation. The city bears witness. No houses or condo buildings, Maybe beyond the loneliness of this city, not even a tent encampment for the homeless. the breathlessness of this pandemic, From the neo-classical dome with echoes the forsakenness of this man, of the Capitol in Washington, No one is there . . . except us. we can breathe again the breath of new creation, to the corporate skyscrapers, gathering together at the resurrection party. the city bears witness. Standing outside of the frame, holding this Easter issue of Christian Courier, Brian Walsh Jesus didn’t grab a slurpy at 7-Eleven, meditating on this evocative painting, Brian is a retired campus pastor nor a Big Mac at McDonald’s. we are called to bear witness and the founder of the Wine Carrying his cross, he had no need to get a fill up at Shell, to this forsakenness. Before Breakfast communi- and it is too late in the game to drop into ty in Toronto. His most recent book, with Sylvia Keesmaat, is Target or Walmart for some retail therapy. Maybe after a year of such isolation, Romans Disarmed: Resisting in the wake of so much death, Empire, Demanding Justice And the World Bank has nothing to offer, with grief-filled tears still flowing, (Brazos).

largely peaceful until January 26, when protesters took over the his- GLOBAL PROTESTS toric Red Fort in Delhi. Across political parties and provincial borders, Canadians are Support grows in the West for Indian farmers protesting agricultural reforms. caught up in solidarity with the farmers. Prime Minister Trudeau, Erin O’Toole (Conservative) and Jagmeet Singh (NDP) have all publicly Maaike VanderMeer responded as have premiers like John Horgan (B.C.).

MAYBE YOU’VE SEEN THE “I stand THE THREE REFORM BILLS with farmers” bumper stickers or In the 1960s, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi introduced the the tweets from celebrities like “Green Revolution” to address famine in India. She dramatically in- Rihanna. Maybe you drove past creased the growth of rice and wheat, implemented state-regulated the hundreds of people protesting agricultural markets (called “mandis”) and a way for farmers to sell in Vancouver last December or surplus harvest at the “minimum support prices” (MSP). Gandhi out- the thousands in Toronto. Maybe lawed stockpiling of essential foods. These laws were meant to make more recently the protests in India self-sufficient agriculturally, to protect farmers and to prevent Brampton or Edmonton have food shortages. And since the 70s, India has been self-sufficient agri- stopped traffic for you. Or, like culturally. Therefore Prime Minister Narendra Modi feels validated in me, you came across a handful of removing Gandhi’s constraints. people holding cardboard signs The first reform bill is the “Farmer’s Produce and Trade and Com- at an intersection in small town merce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill.” It releases farmers to sell to Mission, B.C. privatized buyers, but farmers lose their protection in the form of MSP. On September 27, 2020, Indi- The second reform bill is the “Farmers (Empowerment and Protec- an President Ram Nath Kovind tion) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill,” releas- approved three bills reforming ing farmers from state law to centralized government for the purpose Randeep Wikimedia Maddoke, existing farm laws. His party Farmers fear losing land that belonged to their families for generations. of making contracts with private businesses. The flip-side is that farm- claimed the bills would liberalize ers do not have legal recourse in their state courts. Over 80 percent the farm market in India, but the 26, 250 million people went on strike throughout India, completely of India’s farmers own small farms (less than a hectare). They have proposed changes were met with shutting down some states. little economic margin to negotiate contracts. And while the state-run immediate and stiff opposition “These controversial agricultural laws open up a gateway for private mandis will stay open, any farmer bound into a contract with the pri- from farmers. After two months companies to exploit the market,” said Sukhraj Grewal, a student in vate sector is not allowed to sell his produce at the mandi even if the of localized protests an estimated Thunder Bay, Ontario. mandi price is higher. Farmers are concerned that individual contracts 300,000 farmers marched to New The farmers are still camped outside of New Delhi, demanding that will drive them further into debt and the loss of land. Delhi in tractors, on horses and by the government repeal all three bills. Eleven rounds of talks remain The third bill is the “Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill,” foot. Police resisted them along inconclusive. Farmers’ organizations, religious groups and NGOs set which allows for stockpiling goods, a move that is good for traders the way, keeping them from en- up langars, kitchens, which feed everyone regardless of caste, class, but not for small farmers. tering Delhi itself. On November or religion. There’s a makeshift school for children. Protests remained It’s not to say that everything was perfect under the old laws. Sui-

2 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER News Randeep Wikimedia Maddoke, The November protests in India have been called the single largest protest in human history. cide levels among farmers are high, often caused by debt and carried out by drinking pesticides. Randeep Wikimedia Maddoke, People’s Archive of Rural India Three hundred thousand farmers marched to New Delhi. added up the suicides from 1995 to 2019: 296,438. Let that sink in. Members of Parliament on issues India is headed to a repeat of the This struggle is as serious as life relating to Indian farmers consti- 1984 Sikh massacre, “When you and death for the farmers. In fact, tute an unacceptable interference are asking for your constitutional to support the protests several in our internal affairs,” things right and you are being portrayed individuals have made Indian were not looking well. “Such as an anti-national.” headlines by committing suicide actions, if continued, would have by poison, gun and hanging. a seriously damaging impact on AN ONGOING STORY ties between India and Canada,” My hope, readers, is that you will FELLOW CANADIANS says the statement. pay attention to how the protests Many of the protesters outside Under the diplomatic unease develop in India, seek out more of Delhi are of the Sikh religion, lies another long history. In the information and connect with from the Punjab area. Punjab Gurdeep Pandher delights in the joy-filled dances of his Sikh heritage. 1980s and early 1990s a Sikh Punjab Canadians in your own Canadians, though a minority in separatist movement threatened town. our country, are a visible one, in- be stockpiled. Farmers from this area will lose the most with the new India’s unity. Three Sikh separa- As Canadians of multiple herit- cluding Jagmeet Singh and Harjit laws. tists assassinated Prime Minister ages, it is our unique privilege Singh Sajjan (Defense Minister), There is a Sikh man who I call Mr. Singh and he calls me Maia, Gandhi in 1984 and in retaliation to live with and learn from Can- as well as many influencers and neither of us able to speak the other’s full name. We both pick straw- Sikhs were massacred in New adians such as Mr. Singh in the coworkers at our workplaces. berries in Oshawa each summer. Last year was exceptionally hot and Delhi, the city outside of which sweaty strawberry field; from “This is not just a protest about dry. Seagulls flew inland from Lake Ontario, quenching their thirst on Sikh farmers now peacefully the joyful Gurdeep Pandher dan- paying minimum support price, our red berries. I showed Mr. Singh how to pick faster to beat the high protest. In 1985 Canadian Sikh cing in snowy, minus 40 degrees it’s related to saving their herit- noon sun. He offered me cookies and almonds and insisted that I drink terrorists blew up an Air Delhi Yukon (look him up on You- age […] farming is your cul- water from his cooler when my own water bottle steamed up under the flight leaving Montreal, killing Tube!); or from Jagmeet Singh ture, farming is your language, strawberry leaves. He asked if my church serves food. No, I said, just 329 people on board. Since then, challenging our Prime Minister farming is your faith,” Gurdeep coffee. Is the coffee free? Yes. He grinned. At his place of worship, the India has kept a close eye on an- at national policy levels. It is our Pandher said in an interview gurudwara, breakfast, lunch, and tea were all free. We laughed. (No ti-India sentiment coming from unique responsibility to care for with Global News. Pandher is one should convert to the Christian Reformed Church for the food.) Canada. each other and to be aware of a Yukon-based Bhangra dancer These memories come back as I read the news. The farmers refuse Trudeau, who visited an al- the global events that impact our whose videos repeatedly go viral. to share food when they meet with the government. Their mistrust leged Sikh extremist convicted of fellow citizens, our government “It’s not just a matter of surviving is deep enough to tear the very fabric of social interaction. This is plotting assassination while on a and ourselves. financially, it’s also a matter of serious. diplomatic visit to India in 2018, keeping a whole identity, who Canada and India share a strong bilateral relation. Approximately said in response to the farmers, Maaike VanderMeer you are, alive.” six percent of the Canadian population is of Indian heritage. India is “Canada will always be there to Maaike loves sharing tea Punjab is the “bread basket” of Canada’s ninth largest export market and 10th largest trading partner. defend the rights of peaceful and conversation with India, growing much of the na- The two nations are in the middle of drafting economic and invest- protest.” When asked, he did not people of other cultures tion’s wheat and rice. In 2019, 65 ment agreements. clarify or retract this statement. and faith. She is grateful to belong to a country percent of its wheat was sold at So on December 4, when the Indian foreign ministry brought a Some Canadians, like B.C. that welcomed her immi- mandis at the minimum support statement to the Canadian high commissioner to India that, “com- resident and documentary film- grant grandparents and price. Wheat and rice can easily ments by the Canadian Prime Minister, some Cabinet Ministers and maker Sukhdeep Singh, fear that celebrates diversity.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 3 Editorial

VIRTUAL TABLES RUNNING TO EMMAUS With regular routines disrupted, it feels as if we all have a little more time now for connections. This past year, my siblings and I have been in Katie Munnik | Guest Editor closer touch, sending notes back and forth. Usually, we’re all busy in the Founded in 1945 thick of our own family lives, but now we’re swapping recipes, sharing Katie, a CC columnist originally from Ottawa, lives in Cardiff, Wales, An independent monthly that seeks to with her spouse and three growing children. stories, worrying and celebrating together. engage creatively in critical Christian I’ve also been getting more notes from readers recently and I really journalism, connecting Christians with want to thank you for that. It’s beautiful to hear from you and to know a network of culturally savvy partners in faith for the purpose of inspiring all how these small thoughts and stories from my family’s life connect with to participate in God’s renewing work your own stories. within his fallen creation. Another treasure from this year has been the surprise of new Zoom EDITORIAL TEAM & groups. In September, I saw a tweet from a novelist in Leicester, Eng- PRODUCTION STAFF land who was feeling lonely and asked if anyone else felt the same way. Editor: Angela Reitsma Bick Usually, I’d scroll past a note like that, particularly when I didn’t know [email protected] Assistant Editor: Maaike VanderMeer the writer or her work. The last thing I need is another distraction. Ex- [email protected] cept this felt different and I responded, as did a diverse crowd of other Features Editor: Amy MacLachlan writers all over Britain. We set up a virtual coffee morning, unsure what [email protected] Reviews Editor: Brian Bork would happen, but it proved to be a surprisingly warm and open con- [email protected] versation. Now, we meet online every week, and we’ve developed a Contributing Editor: Michael Buma practice of each sharing one joy and one struggle from our week. It [email protected] Contributing Editor: Peter Schuurman feels Ignatian, this practice of reflection, and I feel so grateful to have [email protected] connected with this group of writers. Someday, we’ll all meet in person, Circulation: Sarah Smith though for now, our coffee table is virtual, and no less real for that. [email protected] Admin: Heather Snippe [email protected] THIS VACCINATING YEAR Development: Jennifer Neutel Which brings me back to that Emmaus road. That post-Easter story [email protected] Website: Maaike VanderMeer fits my disrupted mood in the already-not-quite-yet feel of this vaccin- [email protected] ating year. We know there is hope. We see the stretch of road ahead. Layout and design: Kevin Tamming We know there is sorrow and we feel its weight behind. We feel the [email protected] Layout and Ad design: Naomi Francois mystery of Christ beside us, seen, unseen. And we know there is a collidemedia.ca table, readied and waiting for us, where we will all come face to face with those we love again. When we do, our stories will deepen. We’ll Christian Courier is published by the Board of Reformed Faith Witness: know in new ways what it means that, in Christ, God was incarnate. James Dekker (Chair), Peter Elgersma, We’ll see again in each other’s faces how the Word became flesh and Sylvan Gerritsma, Ron Rupke, Emma dwelt among us. We’ll break bread all together and breathe deeply and Winter, Jaime Spyksma, Noah Van freely again. Brenk and Sarah van der Ende The publication of comments, opinions or advertising does not EDITOR’S NOTE imply agreement or endorsement by Christian Courier or the publisher. IN THIS ISSUE WE’RE REFLECTING ON “DISRUPTION,” a fitting Andreas Brun, Unsplash Andreas theme for Easter given international events over the past few The paper is published on the second MAYBE IT’S STEPPING OUT OF LINE TO HEAD FOR EMMAUS this ear- years, as Maaike pointed out to me: Easter 2020 was a truly silent Monday of each month. ly in the year. Most eyes are focused on Jerusalem with Easter still was a truly silent Easter around the globe, with theological and CANADA MAIL ahead. This should be a well-paced time of year, as we travel togeth- sacramental impact, as families struggled with pandemic-related Publications Mail Agreement No. 40009999 er through our continuing, life-giving story. We know this pattern: illness and loss. The year before, Easter 2019, we all watched the Return undeliverable addresses to: the fear and the hope, that evening meal, the kiss and the arrest, the flames flatten sections of Notre-Dame de Paris on Holy Monday. Christian Courier trial, the sentence, the death, the waiting. Then joy and life again, that Worst of all, 279 people were killed and more wounded on Easter PO Box 124 beautiful mystery we’ll spend our lives learning. Every year, this is Sunday in targeted attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. Wainfleet ON L0S 1V0 where we find our strength and our hope. This year many of us still face disrupted lives, as Katie Munnik (ISSN 1192-3415) But this year, I want to skip ahead. I’m longing for a different road writes about here. That’s why we’ve turned the front page sideways, SUBSCRIPTIONS: and its happenstance companionship. I want that bread breaking, that picked a columnist to write the editorial, and looked at examples of To subscribe, wine blessed, and then that blessed face known. Present in the flesh. disruption in the news: international protests, stock market volatil- email [email protected] I’m being impatient. Disruptive, probably. I’m longing to get to that ity and more. And you won’t want to miss our Features spread, in or call 1-800-275-9185. One year (12 issues): $60. Six months (6 table. which five pastors talk about some of the blessings that have come issues): $30. Two years (24 issues): $110 from having church life turned upside-down during COVID. Please contact circulation if you cannot A MESSY YEAR What about you? We typically think of disruption as negative, but afford the subscription price but would It’s been a messy year for all of us, with all our days out of schedule the past year has also given us the chance to try like to receive Christian Courier. and the whole cycle of the year upset, its habitual markers and antici- things differently. Has something good come CHRISTIAN COURIER pations scattered. We’ve had the disappointments of cancelled family out of the pandemic for you? PO Box 124 times, stop-and-start school years and all those lockdown birthdays. Send your COVID disruption story to Wainfleet ON L0S 1V0 New patterns have emerged for us, too. I now walk to the park al- [email protected] by April 30 and 1-800-275-9185 most every day, usually with my seven-year-old to visit the ducks, your name will be entered into a draw to win christiancourier.ca but often all five of us, taking a break from home-schooling and work a new book! It’s called Work and Worship: We acknowledge the financial together. A café has opened there, and we buy coffee and sugared car- Reconnecting our Labor and Liturgy. Turn to support of the Government of damom buns. We people-watch and wave to the neighbours, keeping page 11 in this issue for Brian Walsh’s review. our distance, but feeling together, too. And have a blessed Easter! – Angela Reitsma Bick, Editor Printed in Canada

4 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Letters

THE BUZZ ONLINE “Will your musical tastes make it out to be. What is necessary is hope – in that part of A lot goes on at Christian Courier online! So far, change as you age?” (chris- the piece Lloyd is right. The question begging to be asked is, we’ve been very happy with the respectful tone tiancourier.ca, Jan. 18). “Where is your hope?” It may need to be much darker for many & helpful feedback being posted in the Com- “Maybe a little,” Edna to realize they are searching for answers in the wrong places. ments section on our new website, a function the Salverda responded. “But John & Janna Wesselius old site didn’t have. However you choose to get I’m always amazed,” she I’M IN HEALTHCARE TOO in touch, we love hearing from you! Share your said, “when we sing the old Joseph Schuurman wrote a very good article! (“COVID Duty,” thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, at christiancouri- hymns, how our young peo- Feb. 17). I too work in healthcare and appreciate the faith and er.ca, by responding to our weekly newsletter or ple join in.” hope Dr. Joy Schuurman shows each day with all the people she via email to [email protected]. “That sure looks like John cares for and works with. Lennon up front and center Karen Sloot-Kroes of that post,” Stephen Mur- UNIQUE GENESIS ART phy said. “I’m proud you in- AT THE COVID CLINIC I really enjoyed the article “Reflecting the Creator” (interview by cluded him, even though he Great article Joseph! Jim and I are at the COVID clinic [in Maaike VanderMeer, Jan. 11) and wow – what work went into was pretty broad in his spir- Guelph, Ontario] every week and we really appreciate every- each painting by Malik Dieleman. Patience and timing! Love itual understanding. Musi- thing they do. We have not had the pleasure of Joy placing a long each one of the Six Days of Creation pictures and what they ex- cians are often modern-day white stick shoved up into our heads yet! press. prophets, even if they don’t Lisa Bosma Hogeveen Mae Ehrenberg fit the Christian norm, sort of like Jesus didn’t fit the FAITH LEADERS & THE VACCINE STEVE BELL’S NEW ALBUM Jewish norm of his day. “Dr. Teresa Tam’s call to faith leaders (CC, Jan. 25) to do her The words, music and Steve Bell’s character combine to make This article helps me take work is a bit of a stretch for me. How do these faith leaders the listening both sobering and stirring (“Wouldn’t You Love to CC more seriously.” know that Tam is correct in her guidance? How do I know she Know?” reviewed by Brian Walsh, Jan. 11). This album brings Don’t miss Don’s fol- is correct? The role of Christian faith leaders is to promote the out the best in me because of its godly wisdom, beautifully pre- low up article, “Songs to Kingdom of Christ and not to give scientific, medical or political sented. Savour,” posted online declarations,” Frank van Veen wrote to us. David Kruse Feb. 22! We thought his question was so important that we passed it on to columnist and scientist Rudy Eikelboom, who wrote a full AMERICAN DIRT REVIEW MORE CANADIAN article in response. Thanks, Joanne Spoelstra, for giving us insight into this power- NEWS, PLEASE You can find both articles at christiancourier.ca: “Tam Asks ful novel American Dirt, as well as for helping us understand Remember Dena Nicolai’s Faith Leaders to Remain ‘Vigilant,’ Promote Vaccine Accep- the controversy that surrounded its arrival (“A Journey Toward terrific front-page article in tance” by John Longhurst, Jan. 25; and “Should Church Lead- Hope,” Jan. 25). Having cross-cultural conversations and learn- January, “Our Great Big ers Address Vaccine Hesitancy?” by Rudy Eikelboom, Feb. 1. ing how to listen to and respect each other in our acts of creation Backyard” (Jan. 8), calling is an important starting point for “loving our neighbour.” Canadians to follow more EXCELLENT ART, LIVING ARTIST Tony Kamphuis national news? It was one I wish to commend you on an excellent Christmas issue (Dec. of her own commitments for 14, 2020). What struck me immediately was the work of art on ACROSS THE BORDER 2021: “Sorry, America, it the front cover (“Christmas at the Old Quick Church,” by Cait- I do value the good solid writing in CC so much, and, as a Canadi- involves paying less atten- lin Ambery). It was beautiful as well as very meaningful. What an (and now American) living in the U.S. especially like reading tion to you (because trust pleased me most was that it was created by a living artist. Caitlin other perspectives on Christian issues from a more international me, I’ve been paying *way* is definitely an artist of great sensitivity. perspective. too much).” Many Christian publications use images from (noteworthy) Irene Konyndyk Comments flooded in, historical Christian sources, also for liturgical purposes; it of- Grand Rapids, Mich. such as this one from Anita ten gives the impression that that there are no or very few good Siebring Struyk: “thanks for Christian contemporary artists doing excellent work. OUR SHARED GRIEF this, Dena. I think I need to May the child whose birth we celebrate give you peace and Always love reading your column, Sara Pot (“February Bless- re-focus.” Jeanette Ewald love enough to share all of 2021. ing,” Feb. 8). This is so true – we are all grieving right now, for agreed, adding that “It’s easy George Langbroek one thing or another. Thanks for being a light. to get caught up in following Joanne Hoekstra only the headlines that flash across our devices.” CC MAIL SURVEY BREATH & THE BELHAR But on the day of the Cap- “We’re experiencing delays as we put safety I appreciate Roy Berkenbosch’s pointed comments (“Breathe! itol Hill insurrection, when first,” Canada Post says. “Many destinations How the Belhar’s beautiful teaching can help the church fight rac- all eyes were fixed on Wash- impacted.” Mail, like so much of life, is be- ism today,” christiancourier.ca, Feb. 15), straight-on, no squirm- ington, Dena wrote to CC’s ing impacted by COVID-19. We are still get- ing caveats. Editor, saying wryly, “An- ting our CC issues out on time but they seem Henry Wildeboer gela Reitsma Bick, I’m hav- to be arriving in your mailboxes later than ing a hard time keeping the we’d like. But we need your help to gather Amen, and praise God, for the Belhar Confession. It is, just in its commitments I call for in the more data on the extent of the delays. process of being created, a testimony to what the Spirit accom- CC article I wrote for you – Can you let us know – When did your plishes when we dance with Him (“Breathe!” by Roy Berken- and it’s only January 6!” print copy of this March 8 Easter issue bosch). I pray that our churches will live up to our calling. Let arrive? everything that breathes praise the Lord (Ps. 150). SEARCHING FOR Just go to christiancourier.ca/mailsurvey Frank van Veen ANSWERS and answer two questions about your loca- This year has been dark tion and the week your print copy arrived. (Lloyd Rang, “The Great Thanks for your patience and for supporting MUSICAL TASTE OVER TIME Frost of 2020,” Dec. 21), CC in print! In an online-only article, Canadian poet D.S. Martin asked, but not as dark as some

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 5 News HELD TO ACCOUNT

Can a spiritual abuser be a spiritual advisor? | Nate Van Denend

I’LL BEGIN BY SAYING THAT THE REVELATIONS about the behaviour of in my sermons? How would the Ravi Zacharias made me sick. Others have told me they feel the same woman he told would endanger way. Christianity Today and other news outlets have covered the story. 100,000 souls if she ever told As a young teenager, I used to listen to Ravi Zacharias’ Let My Peo- anyone, feel about me bringing ple Think broadcast in the backseat of our four-door blue Ford F350 any glory to Ravi’s name? on our way to Georgetown Presbyterian Church in Ohio. Every week, Someone might bring up King we’d get to about the same curve in the road when the talk ended and David, that Patron Saint of Adul- the voiceover told us we could send money to Ravi Zacharias Inter- terers everywhere. But King Da- national Ministries (RZIM) in Mississauga, Ontario. Ravi Zacharias’s vid, when confronted by Nathan, messages on that drive to church were as much a part of Sunday ritual repented of his sin. Ravi was and routine for me as the church service itself. confronted with his sin publicly, What is one to do now with the writings and audio recordings of a at least once. He was no King man who we’ve discovered to be so deeply flawed? My initial response David. The woman was silenced was to go back in Christian history to Athanasius. Athanasius wrote with a non-disclosure agreement a book called On the Incarnation, which says, “But for the searching and Ravi went on to malign her and right understanding of the Scriptures there is need of a good life character. and a pure soul, and for Christian virtue to guide the mind to grasp, so There is a difference between far as human nature can, the truth concerning God the Word.” a sin and a vice. One is habitual, In other words, we cannot understand the truth about God without the other is not. David commit- living a virtuous life. Did Zacharias know the truth about “God the ted a sin, and a few more sins to Van Denend Nate Reports of sexual abuse came out in February, putting the legacy of Ravi Zacharias Word?” That’s the painful question here. Did this man, who I listened cover up the first one. David then (1946-2020) and the future of his organization on shaky ground. to on the way to church when I was 14, know what he was talking repented. Taking the wives of his about? servants was not David’s usual Ravi had a vice: he was a seri- A Christian leader, an apologist practice. The vice is something al abuser. He made arrangements at that, should be willing to sit in UNRELIABLE GUIDES different, a habitual sin. Ravi had so he could seduce women. And the chair. As it turns out, Ravi Zacharias is not the only influential Christian a vice, and the vice had him. We I am left wondering if he ever teacher who fails the Athanasius test. It is well known that Karl Barth can’t right away know who has a knew the Jesus he spoke so el- MIND & BODY lived for years with his mistress and his wife in the same house. Jean sin and who has a vice. My friend oquently about. Those familiar I worry that we can be too quick Vanier, founder of L’Arche, and leading advocate for those with de- from Cocaine Anonymous used to with the biblical languages know to dismiss the sins of those whose velopmental disabilities, was found to have abused women. There are say that not everyone who came that there are different ways of ideas we like. Is it a bit gnostic others. to meetings had the disease of knowing. I can know what the Bi- of us to assume that what we do So is the issue of moral failure distinct from the issue of a person’s addiction. Some people can walk ble says about sin and repentance. in the body has no impact on the writings having merit? What do we do with their books, YouTube vid- away from the drugs, say their I can know what the Bible says meditations of our hearts and eos, sermons? prayers and apologies and carry about forgiveness too. But, to minds? People like Ravi Zachari- Let’s assume for a moment that the issue of moral failure is distinct on. Other people need meetings quote David Foster Wallace, “the as and Barth have brilliant minds, from a person’s writings having merit. My high school Algebra teach- for the rest of their lives. truth will set you free, but not un- but those minds were enfleshed, er told the class that she and her husband did not have credit cards til it’s done with you.” What do I not disembodied. When it comes because they kept overspending and getting into debt. One can be a FRUIT OF REPENTANCE do with someone like Ravi, who to spiritual things – our theolo- good math teacher and also not be able to balance your cheque book We can’t know initially, when the spoke about a grace and forgive- gy, our faith – can the idea real- at the end of the month. pastor runs off with the choir di- ness, that he did not seek for him- ly be separated from the person? Math is one thing. But my expectations in someone who is going rector, if he has a sin or a vice. self? He spoke about truths, but Or should we expect one who to teach me about God are different. I am not looking for theory or Time will tell. We hopefully treat did the truth grab him, shake him follows the Word made Flesh to propositions. Rather, when it comes to theology or apologetics, and the ones with a sin and those with and not leave him alone until it be, in a sense, an enfleshed word especially evangelistic apologetics, I am more interested in the practi- a vice the same way, initially. was done with him? It seems like whose speech and actions align? cal question: So how is that working out for ya? We remove them from ministry. he spent a lot of energy trying to Christianity is facing a seri- The apologist doesn’t merely want their listeners to believe truths Those who sinned and repent- make sure that didn’t happen. ous credibility crisis right now. about the world. They are after conversion – a change in you, the lis- ed, and seem to be living rightly And this makes him an unreli- Part of this crisis is rooted in this tener. They are the Virgil and you are the Dante, going down before afterwards, may get restored to able guide. There is, ironically, a very issue. People are less will- you can begin to go up again. It is not good to have an unreliable ministry. Others, those with the story Ravi told himself that illus- ing today to separate the idea Virgil. Ideally, you want a Virgil who’s walked those paths you must vice, are likely to continue down trates this quite well. A man was from the person with the idea. walk, already. the destructive path. Making this walking on a tightrope across a The instinct behind that is simi- determination is not easy. Both deep ravine, he would say. The lar to the instinct that Athanasius THE SINS THAT BECOME HABIT those who sinned and those who man took a chair, an empty chair had. Good ideas come out of vir- I remember a preacher once saying in a sermon, “If you want some- have a vice can express sorrow. and asked the crowd, “do you tuous lives. one to become a Christian, you are asking them to become like you.” But Paul writes in 2 Corinthians think I can walk across with this And that’s the point really. That’s why we can’t separate the issue of that there is the godly sorrow that chair on my shoulders?” The moral failure from the merit of a person’s writings. Ravi Zacharias leads to life and the worldly sor- crowd cheered. “Do you think I Nate Van Denend was asking hundreds of thousands of people to be like him. And when row that leads to death. They both can walk across with someone Nate is the pastor of the doors of his massage parlors are thrown wide open, we look with look like genuine sorrow. The sitting in this chair?” The crowd First Christian Reformed horror because we don’t want to be like him, not at all. fruit of repentance is what we are cheered again. “Who wants to sit Church in Chatham, On- So how can I recommend his books? How can I quote his stories looking for. And time does tell. in the chair?” Silence. tario.

6 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER News

market, as powerful investors cioeconomic class that Scripture WILD RIDE like hedge funds may no longer is most interested in – the poor – have the ability to move markets are unsurprisingly the group least to their will – by causing a par- represented in financial markets. Stock market volatility part of rapidly changing financial landscape. | David Clay ticular stock to decline in value The GameStop war is mostly be- simply by shorting it, for exam- tween the rich and the middle, not ple. Market analysts throughout the rich and the poor. In general, volved). Hedge funds lost billions the world are taking note of the the stock market is a powerful as they were forced to repurchase rapidly changing financial land- tool capable of accomplishing a the stock at prices far greater than scape, which will very likely not great deal of good, but it’s hard the proceeds they had earned from remain within American borders. to dispute that much of the wealth selling it in the first place. In a February 4 piece for CTV invested in it could be better spent News, Adam Kovac noted that on projects benefiting local com- BACKLASH there is no fundamental reason munities, especially poorer ones. By the end of January, things were why a GameStop-style episode Christians should also resist the getting so out of hand that Rob- could not occur on the Canadian urge to invest too much emotional inHood, a popular online broker stock exchange. In fact, in mid- energy into class divisions. God is favored by millions of small-time to-late January Canadian inves- indeed especially concerned for investors, placed restrictions on tors more than tripled the price of the poor (Mt 11:5), but the gos- Clay Banks, Unsplash Banks, Clay trading GameStop and other sim- the struggling Blackberry Ltd on pel of Christ is for everyone – and THE AMERICAN STOCK MARKET IS EXPERIENCING its most interesting ilar stocks. This move drew wrath the Toronto exchange. his Church is an institution that quarter in a long time, perhaps since the meltdown of the housing mar- from RobinHood clients, as well crosses all boundaries, including ket that kicked off the global Great Recession. At the beginning of 2021, as from politicians across the po- POWERFUL TOOLS socioeconomic ones. A believer’s certain American hedge funds (investment vehicles for wealthy clients) litical spectrum for supposedly For Christians who follow the primary interest is always in rec- had “shorted” stock shares of the video game retailer GameStop and a protecting the wealthy at the ex- financial world, these events onciliation, not victory. few other struggling corporations. This means that the hedge funds had pense of ordinary people. Indeed, provide first-class entertainment borrowed the stock and sold it, expecting the price of the stock to fall numerous commentators are but are not easily processed in a significantly – whereupon they could repurchase and return the stock framing the saga in terms of “Da- specifically biblical manner. On David Clay at the lower price and enjoy a tidy profit. But their strategy, a time-hon- vid vs Goliath” or class warfare, the one hand, if the stock market David is an associate pas- oured one, did not factor in the awesome power of the internet. with some writers comparing this really is a “casino for the rich,” as tor and office manager Or, more specifically, of a Reddit forum dubbed WallStreetBets financial insurrection with the Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth living in St. Louis, MO with his wife and daugh- (WSB), known for its profanity and aggressive trading. The mem- Occupy Wall Street movement Warren put it, then Christians ter. He holds a bachelor’s bers of WSB counterattacked by purchasing GameStop stock at a fu- that emerged in the wake of the might welcome greater access to in economics and is inter- ested in the intersection rious pace, driving up share prices to ludicrous levels (at one point, Great Recession. Others speak of wealth for a greater number of between Christian faith GameStop stock had risen 1,200 percent from the time WSB got in- the “democratization” of the stock people. On the other hand, the so- and economic forces.

how to budget. Start here: by There are also many easy ac- must stop spending. Writing “In- BUDGET BASICS tracking money in, money out. counting programs where you sufficient Funds” cheques is an The internet has many templates can track income and expenses. expensive lesson. Just as embar- A short series on personal finance prompted by Lloyd for this. Most banks also have Quicken is one I have used for rassing is being declined at Tim built budgeting into their online years. It can also track invest- Hortons because you ran out of Rang’s column, “The Money Taboo.” | Harry Boessenkool banking systems, like BMO’s ments, loans and your overall money! “MoneyLogic” and RBC’s “my- budget. At first it takes a bit of Finance Tracker.” These pro- time but after a few months it Harry Boessenkool grams should be no obstacle for will take no more than an hour After Amsterdam, Harry young people to use, being com- per month to keep it up to date. worked in Alberta, On- tario and B.C. for a Can- puter savvy. However, to imple- Tracking cash expenses are the adian bank for 36 years, ment such a program and use it most difficult. Ideally use you followed by seven years with Christian Steward- requires discipline! bank card for all expenses. Once ship Services. He lives the bank account is empty, you now in Lethbridge, AB. BANKING BACKGROUND After graduation from Junior High in a small town in Alberta FOR PARENTS (1961), I ended up working in a Teenagers need their own bank accounts as soon as they get a part- large Dutch bank in Amsterdam, time job. If you give younger children an allowance, use cash – and age 16, where my typing skills still teach a method of tracking where the money goes. If you give a and knowledge of English got me child 20 dollars, for example, ask them to tell you what they plan to JustLife, Adobe Stock Adobe JustLife, the job. I had immigrated with spend it on. Then you need to teach them how much one ice cream MANY PEOPLE ARE CURRENTLY IN CHALLENGING financial situations. my parents at age nine, so still cone costs, where to get a good deal, and how to save for something Employed folks are worried about their jobs and might be working in had very rudimentary Dutch! The special. It takes time, but the earlier in life someone learns this, the new ways – from home, part time, work sharing or, worst of all, not problem was that I only made 130 easier it is. Read The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton together. working at all. Self-employed folks have had their activities severely guilders and had to pay 100 of Help college and university kids – anyone moving out – to set affected with sales significantly reduced, greatly affecting profitability. that for room and board. Budget- up a budget first. Discuss tuition, the cost of books, food, lodg- A lack of knowledge about finances is making such situations even ing that 30 difference per month ing, transportation. With a lot of work being done via technology at more difficult. The education system is at the root of this problem. became critical. I had no parents home it is not impossible to have a small part-time job while going While the primary responsibility belongs with parents, high schools to back me up. Those are forced to school. should have courses on this subject. But anyone, at any age, can learn life skills you do not easily forget.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 7 News

get to England. Some never came BOOKENDS back. They were sons and fath- ers. As we grew older, we knew there were secret things going on I lived through World War II and now I’m living through COVID. | Didy Prinzen that we children were not sup- posed to know about. After the war we heard of two pilots that had come down and had found refuge in our village. Then came the attacks on Jew- ish people, which had already been going on for a long time in other countries. Seven pavilions stood in our village, where men- tally unwell people were being cared for. Each one carried a Bib- lical name – Bethesda, Rehoboth, Salem, Hebron, Ebenhaezer, Be- thel and Zoar. Four Jews were among them. They were sent away too. Simply put on the Didy during the war. regular bus, I remember, to go . . . where? They were never heard of lowing the Allies’ progress. They again. Later, great regret was felt were coming from the south and that this had happened, to blind- moving ever closer. We evacuat- ly have followed orders from the ed. Our lovely village turned into German authorities. a battle ground. After a night, a day and yet another night, we DWINDLING RATIONS came out of our hiding place. We In 1942 I started going to school saw destruction. Dead soldiers in Delfzijl. It was about a half lying on the road. A very disturb- hour bike trip. We rode our bikes ing sight to a fifteen-year-old. In the northeast of Holland, Delfzijl sits on the Ems River across from Germany. together, a small group of boys But we also saw our liberators. CHRISTIAN COURIER HAS RECENTLY CELEBRATED its 75th anniver- coming from England to bomb and girls. We had a lot of fun, They were Canadian soldiers! On sary. The end of one world calamity and the beginning of a new world German cities, flying direct- despite the war. The boys would big tanks they came rolling down calamity stand as bookends to these 75 years. My feelings of isolation ly overhead. We could hear the sometimes hang on to the back the street where I lived. What a in the current pandemic have drawn my memory back to the days of fierce rattling of artillery and, of a moving truck when we had sight! Three of the Canadian sol- WW II and my own experience in The Netherlands. if we dared look up, see search the wind against us, for it could diers lived for several days in our I was 10 years old when Germany invaded Holland – the 10th of lights constantly scanning the get very windy there close to the front room. May, 1940. Very early in the morning while we were still in bed, we sky. Our village was close to the North Sea and the dikes. A very There was such exuberance woke up to an unfamiliar sound – airplanes. A woman on the street last stronghold of the Germans, dangerous practice I think now. and celebrating in the village in called out: “Het is oorlog!” (It is war!) Germany had invaded Hol- a town by the name of Delfzijl. That last year of the war we did the days that followed. But there land, something they had promised not to do. Sometimes a pilot, when caught not go to school very often. In the was also much sadness and grief Soon German soldiers came to our village. Yet at first life went in a search light, would let go of country, we were unaware that in for the many who had died dur- on as usual, or so it seemed. We went to school and our Dad went to his bombs. My sister and I anx- the cities the situation was very ing this horrible war. History work. Mother went about her regular household duties. iously listened to the swishing of bad. Each year it had become a tells us that from 75 to 80 million the bombs coming down. A ter- little harder, but in that last se- lives were lost during WWII. RULES AND RISKS rifying sound, becoming louder vere winter of 1944-45 there was I lived through WWII and A few years into the war, curfew was imposed on the people. From and louder, and we would won- little food nor warmth left. There am now living through the pan- eight o’clock at night until four o’clock in the morning people were der where they would hit. I shud- were soup kitchens and people demic. Yes, they are both world not supposed to be on the street, unless they had acquired a special der when I think of what it did to would line up once a day with a calamities that have caused great permit. And when disobeyed, there was not a fee, as with current the German people as well, this bowl to obtain some watery soup. grief, yet they are so different and quarantine laws, but the risk of being shot or sent to a camp. Another relentless bombing of their cities But it wasn’t enough. Scores of really cannot be compared. What significant difference is that the current restrictions have our well-be- for years! We were young chil- hungry people would walk days is important to remember is our ing in mind, while the ones during the war were put on us by an dren and often we were scared on end or ride a bike and were on sure foundation in every calam- enemy. We also had to cover up our windows at night with black-out but I can only imagine the anx- the road for days, knocking on ity and which Christian Courier paper so that no light would filter through. It became an unpleasant iety the war caused our parents. farmers’ doors, begging for food has strived to proclaim in these nightly routine. to bring back to their family. In 75 years: “He only is my rock The German occupants made people turn in radios and all things REFUGE AND REGRET that last winter, many people and my salvation, my fortress; I copper. People buried their treasures in the garden, giving the enemy In that second year of the occu- starved or froze to death. There shall not be shaken” (Ps 62:6). just some insignificant items. Some radios were secretly kept to be pation all the young men in our were no trees left in the cities; able to listen to “Radio Oranje.” Every night from London, Eng- village, and later older men too, they were all used up for fire- land came the latest war news. Sometimes our Queen would speak were told to go to work in Ger- wood. All the pets had mysteri- Didy Prinzen from her safe exile in England, words of encouragement. We listened many. Most of them went under- ously disappeared. Didy lives with her hus- eagerly, following the progress of those who were going to deliver us! ground and spent miserable, band in Durham Chris- tian Homes in Whitby, But it was dangerous to listen to that radio. If discovered there would anxious years in hiding. Some of THE FINAL DAYS Ont. She is a member of be horrible repercussions. them also went to work for the In the meantime, we had been lis- Hebron CRC. She immi- grated with her family to At night we went to bed with fear, listening to squadrons of planes resistance movement, or tried to tening to the latest war news, fol- Bloomfield, Ont. in 1950.

8 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER @ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 9 Reviews CHALLENGING THE OLD LABELS

Mike Wagenman

WILL YOU ALLOW ME TO ASK A TABOO QUESTION? What constitutes ers selling quick-fix certainty and a liberal or a conservative Christian? Is it whether you prefer a piano easy answers. Camroux reminds or guitar in the worship service instead of an organ? Is it how you us that “Christian theology is a think about Genesis and the scientific measurements of the age and wrestling with the questions [of history of the universe? Is it simply whether you have women serving life], more than a set of conclu- as elders in your council or not? sions.” Why do Christians, of all people, continue to rely on these crude It is precisely the questions cultural categories for making theological judgments? Related ques- of life that have been taken ad- tions are just as discomforting: why has “liberal” become such a vantage of to create our polar- negative word for so many evangelical Christians today? When did ized culture. Powerful forces in “conservative Christianity” come to be equated synonymously with our midst know that economic “truly-biblical Christianity” and “liberal Christianity” came to mean and political gains can be made Martin Camroux. “choose-your-own-truth Christianity”? through a strategy of “divide and KEEPING ALIVE THE RUMOR Martin Camroux is a retired pastor in Britain’s United Reformed conquer” along cultural fault feeding the hungry and visiting OF GOD: WHEN MOST PEOPLE Church. His new book, Keeping Alive the Rumor of God, contains his lines. Camroux understands that the sick, he speaks as a devout ARE LOOKING THE OTHER WAY personal reflections on a life of full-time Christian service in the midst as we Christians have given into Jew, for whom the spiritual is in Martin Camroux of a rapidly changing culture. Let the reader be warned, though: these (or participated in) this division, the first place a matter of how one Wipf & Stock, 2020. pages are geared towards the rehabilitation of the word “liberal” as we have failed to be faithful. As behaves towards others. Rather a genuinely authentic form of Christian faith and practice for today. many young adults today rec- than being a distraction, justice Fine; if we’re going to insist on using these uncharitable categories, ognize: “Today the old simple was at the center of his spiritual- then I’m happy to see someone advocating for the underdog! binary distinction between the ity.” In many ways, I’m encouraged by how global Reformed Christians liberal social gospel and evangel- Loving service and justice: the think and perform their faith. Here in North America, we’re so deep ical political quietism no longer hallmarks of the biblical proph- in civic religion, nationalism, and a posture of antagonism towards applies.” etic tradition that we need to re- anyone deemed “other.” But Camroux consistently pulls us back to It’s these old labels that ob- cover today. Or, Camroux won- the unrelenting witness of Scripture: that the God we come to know scure the pathway before us. We ders, do we, also, prefer to look definitively in Jesus Christ is love (Deut 7:8; John 3:16; 1Jn 4:8). In should be lamenting the utter the other way? our diverse world, Christians missionally engaged with our culture catastrophe of injustice that’s Mike Wagenman should be known by tangible acts of love and service. So, Camroux’s systematically inflicted on our Mike is the Christian Re- subtitle could easily be: “Dare to be liberal!” siblings all around us for our formed campus minister at Love and service are complicated and challenging vocations, espe- comfort. Instead, we’re blinded Western University in Lon- don, Ont., where he is also cially if they are pursued as ends in themselves and not just as means to the idea that “When [Jesus] a professor of theology and to triumphalist dreams. North America is awash with celebrity preach- speaks of salvation in terms of culture.

BLITHE JOVIALITY & SOME OCCASIONAL GREATNESS Jessica Lum THE HAPPY RANT PODCAST Thehappyrant.libsyn.com The Happy Rant is a podcast that discusses Reformed celebrity pas- men joking about niche Christian Harris, his divorce, and the com- Available on Spotify, Google and tors, books and pop culture in the style of a frothy, tabloid gossip show. content and how anti-establish- plexity of being a public figure, itunes. Hosted by Ted Kluck (co-author with Kevin DeYoung of Why We’re ment they are, while doing very with Barnabas opening up about Not Emergent, among other things), Ronnie Martin (former member little to challenge each other and his own divorce. It’s moments of Christian electropop group Joy Electric), and Barnabas Piper (auth- their listeners. like these where the superficial or, and son of John), the show touches on current events and Christian It’s unfortunate, since the veneer cracks and the show finds talking points with a blithe joviality that’s refreshing for the Christian show’s at its best when covering greatness in its humility. podcast sphere. Full of running jokes about hipster churches, celebrity more serious topics. In Episode pastors, and John Piper’s lack of fashion sense, it’s mindless fun for 246 Ted, Ronnie and Barnabas listeners with a distinctly Christian spin. pay tribute to the late Rachel While The Happy Rant is certainly entertaining, the show lacks a Held Evans, who they previous- Jessica Lum diversity of perspective, which makes me hesitant to recommend it to ly lampooned on multiple occa- Jessica currently resides others. This is not lost on the hosts, who occasionally discuss topics sions, acknowledging that she in Edmonton, AB with her husband, infant son and a like feminism, white privilege and toxic masculinity with the indif- witnessed to demographics that furniture destroying terror ference of those who have nothing at stake. Additional consideration the three of them don’t reach. masquerading as a cat. would deepen the content of the show, but the hosts seem content with Similarly, Episode 257 is about I maintaining their current status quo; that is, three middle-aged white Kissed Dating Goodbye’s Joshua

10 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Reviews WORSHIP AND WORK MUST BE ONE

Brian Walsh

Turn your eyes upon Jesus All of human life. Following on that symbolize their work lives. Look full in his wonderful face the insights of James K.A. Smith, A carpenter brings a hammer. An And the things of earth will grow strangely dim Kaemingk and Willson recognize IT technician lays down a laptop. In the light of his glory and grace that rituals are not limited to ex- There is a shawl knitted by an plicitly Christian worship. All of elderly lady. Some children bring THAT WAS THE CHORUS OF MY CONVERSION. When I began my life of life is shaped by ritual, and there up their art work, or maybe their following Jesus in 1969 we sang that hymn over and over again. The are ritualized practices of the school work. Someone puts a piety rang (mostly) true to me. There was indeed something about the marketplace that are deeply form- poem on the table. A young par- Jesus who I had given my life to that made the things of earth grow ative of who we are, shaping our ent brings up the diapers. Is that a strangely dim. Certainly the allure of a life of increasing affluence character, hopes and longings. If fresh rump roast that the butcher working within the systems of capitalism had lost its appeal to me. You you spend five days a week – all just put on the communion table? see, this song gave voice to a piety that had a profound vocational sig- day – in marketplace activities How about those croissants from WORK AND WORSHIP: nificance in my life. And yet the song never quite sat well with me. You that engender a certain kind of the local bakery? Or that pair of RECONNECTING OUR LABOR see, my conversion to the way of Jesus was a profoundly eye-opening bottom line competitiveness and running shoes from the person AND LITURGY experience. Rather than the things of the earth growing strangely dim, anxious acquisition, then one in retail? A violin is brought for- Matthew Kaemingk and I was more inclined to sing that “the things of earth grow crystal clear/ hour on a Sunday morning en- ward, a circular saw, a bottle of Cory B. Willson in the light of his glory and grace.” Clarity in life. The gospel as a gaging in Christian liturgy simply wine, a coffee pot. Baker Academic, 2020. light that illumines life. That was my conversion experience. And the can’t compete. All symbols of the daily lives earliest spiritual crisis on my discipleship path was that I found the With profound biblical depth of the community. All offered worship practices of the church to be more about dimming the world, – and I very much appreciate the in worship. All brought forward rather than the shedding of light on all of life. When it came to work long biblical citations throughout for blessing. With these concrete life, there seemed to be a chasm between the sanctuary and the market- the book – Kaemingk and Willson symbols of daily life before the place. What you did during the week seemed totally disconnected from demonstrate over and over again community, the work lives of worship on Sunday, unless you could tell stories of witnessing to your how worship and work are always everyone in the room is raised up colleagues at work. Not surprisingly, ten years later I was singing a integral – for good or ill - through- before the Lord, and the commun- different song. Co-leading a summer program for university students out the biblical witness and the ity is commissioned anew to be a focussing on faith and work, we chose Fred Kahn’s wonderful hymn traditions of the early church. De- holy priesthood in every walk of “Worship the Lord” as our theme song. lightfully rich exposition of the life – from the baby’s nursery to pentateuch, psalms and prophets the nursing home, from school to Called to be partners with God in creation demonstrate how the scriptures sanctuary, from factory floor to fi- Honouring Christ as the Lord of the nation repeatedly address the relation of nancial institutions, from the con- We must be ready for risk and for sacrifice the holiness of worship and work struction site to the conservatory. Worship and work must be one and the inseparable connection Work and Worship: Recon- between marketplace justice and necting our Labor and Worship Helping our students to shape a Christian worldview in which work worship worthy of our God. is a wonderfully written, deeply is a priestly calling was at the heart of our program. But, beyond that engaging, creatively rich and pro- song, I’m not so sure how unified work and worship was for those stu- FEAST OF RESOURCES foundly hopeful book. It would be dents then, or throughout their lives over the intervening four decades. There is a breadth of catholicity a great choice for a book club or Yes, we’ve seen a growing library of books addressing Christian faith to this wonderful book. From a a study group. If taken seriously, in relation to a wide array of occupations and disciplines, all valiantly boy’s song of lament in the Philip- this book just might transform our trying to help shape a “Christian perspective” for our work lives, but pines, to Korean and Singaporean lives in such a way that we could what happens on a Sunday morning in Christian worship remains as hymns about Jesus as the work- sing with integrity that “worship disconnected to everyday work life as it ever was. This is the burden of er’s Lord, to African American and work must be one.” Matthew Kaemingk and Cory B. Willson’s new book, Work and Wor- Catholic dancing offertories, to ship: Reconnecting our Labor and Liturgy. In the face of the vocation- rural harvest hymns, contempor- al vacuousness of an institutional worship that is hyper-spiritualized, ary hymnody from the incredibly privatized and often saccharine sweet, Kaemingk and Willson offer a creative Porter’s Gate Worship vision and practices that can profoundly reshape the liturgies of our Project, to liturgies of lament, lives so that worship and work could be truly one. There are all kinds of thanks and petitions for work- debates going on in this book, but we get to the crux of the matter when ers, together with blessings and the authors are commenting on Amos’s critique of sanctuary worship benedictions directed to our work that legitimates unjust work practices in the market place. “Work with- lives, Kaemingk and Willson lay out integrity leads to worship without integrity,” they write. It is not out for us a feast of resources for simply a matter of worship needing to shape our work lives, but that it transforming our worship lives in goes the other way as well. Our work lives shape our worship. ways that just might bring healing and redirection to our work lives. RITUALS OF LITURGY Brian Walsh

Then the authors offer this profound observation: “Here is the funda- DAILY, HOLY LIFE Brian is a retired campus mental mistake of liturgical fundamentalists: while they can see the Let me give one example from pastor and the founder of the Wine Before Breakfast com- formative liturgical power of the sanctuary, they can’t see the formative the book. Imagine a Labour Day munity in Toronto. His most liturgical power of the marketplace, nor can they recognize the ways service which began with every- recent book, with Sylvia Kees- maat, is Romans Disarmed: in which marketplace liturgies undermine the formative power of the one processing to the Eucharist Resisting Empire, Demand- sanctuary.” Human life is shaped by the practiced rituals of liturgy. Table and laying down offerings ing Justice (Brazos).

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 11 Features OUR SECOND EASTER APART

Despite continued restrictions, hope lives on. | Amy MacLachlan

COVID-19 MAY PREVENT US from coming together for yet another church holiday, but if the following stories are any indication, the hope of the Risen Christ is very much alive. We asked pastors and leaders from east to west to reflect on the state of the church on this one-year anniversary of the pandemic. Was there sorrow? Yes. Was there a desire to be able to meet face-to-face? Absolutely. Was there complacency or apathy or doubt? No way! All of our writers spoke about how they and their congregations have soldiered on in the face of confusion, burnout, restrictions and challenges. How they have reimagined and innovated and begun new things in an effort to be Christ in the world. Disruption? Oh, yes. But a disruption and upheaval that allows for new and better things. These stories are, ultimately, a message of hope. Easter hope. Lightstock.

A FUTURE WITH HOPE Victor Kim

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.” (Jer. 29:11-12)

THE YEAR 2020 SEEMED LIKE a year in exile for much of the world, and that sense has continued into 2021. Who would have imagined that the entire world would be locked down due to COVID-19?! Every facet of our lives has been impacted by the pandemic, and the church is no exception. We have had to change the way we worship, the way we share in fellowship, the way we serve and care for one another and our communities. Yet in

Submitted. the midst of this uncertainty, we are reminded by the words in Jeremiah Retreats and workshops at the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine now take place over Zoom. that God has plans for us, plans for a future with hope. I know many churches have responded faithfully to a new reality. AN ONLINE WELCOMING We have adapted to online worship, and we have reached out to people Sr. Elizabeth Rolfe-Thomas through Zoom calls, phone conversations and socially distanced walks. Our congregation served take-out meals to those who could no longer WHEN COVID-19 WAS DECLARED a pandemic in March 2020, the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, come and sit together at a table, but who still needed the care of God’s an Anglican convent in East Toronto, lost its three major ministries: our ministry of being a praying people. While many might long for a return to the way things used to be, presence in Victoria, B.C.; our ministry of hosting quiet days and retreats in our guest house in Toronto; I am convinced that God speaks to the people in exile, not of a return to and our ministry of spiritual care at St. John’s Rehab, of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. their past, but of a future with hope. We were 26 people living together in this convent and so formed our own bubble. However, we Earlier in Jeremiah, we read that God commands the people of Israel to still needed to establish new patterns of behaviour; for example, sitting farther apart both in chapel “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and to pray and the refectory and being even more diligent about washing our hands before going to the buffet. to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare, you will find your welfare.” One of our sisters made hundreds of cloth masks for sisters and staff to wear. The command of God to the people of Israel is not to wait until God Pre-pandemic, we had the Eucharist six times a week and enjoyed the privilege of having many has delivered them from exile, but to continue in their faithfulness in the clergy in the Diocese of Toronto come to preside in our chapel. That ended with the lockdown. midst of exile. To engage in life and in living. However, we are very fortunate to have one sister who is also a priest, though it’s a lot of preaching As we seek the welfare of the communities in which God has planted for one sister so many of us have taken up the challenge to ease her load. us, even, and especially, in a pandemic, the skills we learn, the compassion Our personal retreats, workshops and spiritual direction are open to everyone and have always we extend, the relationships we build in new ways with new technology, been popular, and have become even more so over the last year. Some of our retreat leaders now will help build the foundations upon which God will continue to grow our lead events on Zoom and more courses have been added to our “Food for the Soul” programming. future. This is a time of building momentum, not reminiscing. Spiritual direction also happens online. It seems as if all of us are learning new skills! My congregation and I will continue in prayerful discernment about Perhaps our most exciting new program is Companions Online. This 11-month program, beginning how best to seek the welfare of the place where God has placed us, in June 2021, is for women who would like to cultivate a life of prayer and spiritual community in the to minister faithfully and passionately without looking back to the midst of family, study or career responsibilities. We’re hoping it will be a welcome respite for those comforts of what used to be, but trusting in the God who promises us a who are overwhelmed amidst COVID-19 isolation and confusion. future with hope. The past year has been a challenging time to be sure, but it has also brought us many blessings.

Sr. Elizabeth Rolfe-Thomas Victor Kim

Sister Elizabeth is Reverend Mother at the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, Toronto. She entered the community Victor is minister at Richmond Presbyterian, Richmond, B.C., a member in 1997 after two years of teaching in Japan and 26 years of teaching high school in Vancouver, B.C. Visit ssjd.ca of the Board of Governors at the Vancouver School of Theology, and has for more on their programs. served in a number of ecumenical and interfaith gatherings.

12 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Features

COMMUNITY CARE Paul Vanderkooy

WHILE NOVA SCOTIA HAS BEEN relatively healthy throughout the pandemic, there has been a general feeling of angst and uncertainty in the air. This was heightened by the mass shooting that occurred here last April. The tragedy hit very close to home and intensified the feelings of grief and loss. Figuring out how to continue to serve and care for our people has therefore been our focus. We are a rural congregation with a heart for the broader community. Normally we put a lot of time and energy into outreach activities, but with COVID-19, it all came to a screeching halt. However, it has also pushed us into new initiatives. Last June, our Outreach Committee delivered flowers and handmade cards to local group homes, and put together a convoy of 12 cars decked out with balloons, streamers and noise-makers to do a “drive-by” parade past the homes of our Grade 12 graduates. On Halloween they organized the first Milford “Trunk or Treat” in the church parking lot, decorating their cars and giving out candy to about 200 children and parents who showed up in costume. We also learned how important it was to have a good quality virtual service, and our tech people made that happen. We purchased a new camera, a video mixer, a streaming device and connective cabling, all of which has helped the congregation engage with each other. Another huge blessing has been our new online and in-person (when permitted) children’s service. Every Sunday we push back the chairs, spread out blankets on the floor, and have church with our young families. It’s a short service with singing, prayer, a brief message and a blessing, and it has allowed our children to be involved in ways they never were before. One of our children sends in a short video Bible lesson every week. We have an 11-year-old drummer who plays at each service and other kids who help out by leading the actions for the songs. The service is live-streamed on our YouTube channel. It has been a difficult year to be sure, but also an opportunity to think more deeply about what church really is. My hope is that we will uncover an even deeper desire to serve Jesus, as we serve one another. Submitted. Paul Vanderkooy Members at Faith Community Church in Milford, N.S., held their first-ever "Trunk or Treat" event last Halloween. Paul has been pastor of Faith Community Church in Milford, N.S., for almost 20 years. He and his wife Susan are very thankful for the opportunity to minister alongside their church family. FAITH AT HOME Monika Platt

DIFFERENT ON PURPOSE WHEN WE MADE THE SWITCH TO virtual worship, we continued to offer Matthew Ruttan our weekly Young Children in Worship story time. Although originally intended for children, it became apparent that many age groups were I REMEMBER MAKING THE ANNOUNCEMENT: “We’re moving immediately to a livestream-only format for enjoying it. Because of this, and because we believe that “parents are the Sunday services. Oh, and all other groups are either cancelled or moving online. most significant religious influences in the lives of their children” (The “Hopefully we’ll be back for Easter!” Search Institute), we incorporated the children’s lesson into our worship Sigh. When was the last time 12 months felt like 12 years? instead of offering a separate Sunday school time. We miss seeing each other eyeball to actual eyeball. Pouring coffee into each other’s mugs. Holding hands A parent’s faith grows when they share and talk with their children, to pray. Hugging a friend at youth group. Inviting neighbours to our community BBQ. Blowing the roof off on and so it’s important for faith journeys to be shared at home. To Christmas Eve with Joy to the World. help encourage this, we sent out more than 50 Advent boxes so that For the past 12 years I’ve pastored Westminster Presbyterian Church in Barrie, Ont. We’ve never gone families could journey together to Bethlehem. These boxes were through anything like this. You haven’t either, of course. We’ve learned that online ministry is good for a lot created as a keepsake, something to bring out each Christmas season. of things, but not everything. We’ve learned that we love to sing together and can’t wait to do so again. We’ve Perhaps they’ll also serve as a reminder of how life changed during learned that prayer is huge, and decisions aren’t easy. We’ve learned how inter-dependent we are, how it takes the pandemic, prompting discussions of gratitude and the hidden a village, how close to the edge many people are, and how much faith in a Saviour matters. blessings of a slower pace. This Easter, we’ll be sending out activity Despite the fact that Sundays are online only, worship has started to involve more people from the congregation. kits to further the faith-at-home journey. They’ve been submitting all sorts of videos, including music, faith-at-home activities for families, and even Last summer, I offered a mid-week program called WOW mini-testimonies. (Wondering on Wednesday). It was a way of connecting with our We’ve leveraged digital for discipleship. That was happening before the pandemic, but has now accelerated, young families via Facebook live, and was something for children and with the approval of a smartphone app which allows people to be connected to their church through a device parents to watch together. already in their pockets. We also forged new partnerships through our first-ever virtual We’ve also approved a home church model. Leaders are being recruited and environments are being Vacation Bible School, collaborating with five other churches from planned where people can gather (when restrictions lift) in smaller numbers to support one another, to various denominations. We hired four summer student staff to help worship and to learn. create and assist with the running of our VBS. Activity kits were sent Some people might never again enter into a formal church setting, and that trend is likely to accelerate. So this to each household, and the kids checked in online each day. It was a is differenton purpose. We want to reach out in new and creative ways for God’s kingdom, inviting ever-more great success, and we’ll offer it again this summer. people to share in the hope who is Christ. As we mark a year of doing church differently, our focus will A crisis creates clarity about what’s important: God, the gospel and people. Some of the methods may evolve, continue to be supporting family worship at home. but the message and mission march on. Matthew Ruttan Monika Platt

Matthew writes the “Up!” daily devotional at TheUpDevo.com and is author of Turbulence: Devotionals to steady you Monika is Church School Coordinator at Knox Presbyterian, Oakville, Ont., through the storms of life. Learn more at MatthewRuttan.com. where she has been a member for more than 20 years, and an elder for nearly 10.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 13 Gift Planning . . . simplified

GUARANTEED LIFETIME INCOME AND GREAT GIFTS TO YOUR CHARITIES Link Charity has issued $7 million in new Charitable Gift Annuity agreements in the last 22 months. With a dramatic drop in interest rates recently, these life income guaranteed rates are looking better than ever! Link Charity is now the leading issuer of the Charitable Gift Annuity in Canada.

HERE ARE SOME SAMPLE RATES OF CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES Based on a single life $100,000.00 and payable quarterly. Smaller agreements in the $20,000.00 range are available also, but Canada Revenue Agency builds in some extra ex- pense and requires Link Charity to reduce the payment a little.

EXACT RATES FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 23 IN THE CHART Joint Life agreements would pay less but would pay as long as either of the two people are living.

You can estimate a payment rate if your age is between the samples listed. An accurate quota- tion is available for you, confidentially, and without obligation.Call Harry Houtman today!

MALE FEMALE Donor Age 87 8.89% 8.67% Age means a birthday anytime during Donor Age 82 7.68% 7.41% the calendar year for that age. IF YOU HAVE DECIDED IN YOUR heart Donor Age 78 6.84% 6.40% All or most of the payments are tax free. TO GIVE Donor Age 72 5.60% 5.17% we can help! VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE WWW.LINKCHARITY.CA 800.267.8890 ext. 217 or [email protected] OR CALL 1-800-387-8146 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Talking with loved ones today helps to ensure that your funeral meets the needs of tomorrow.

Let us help you start

CMYK

the conversation. 100/60/0/10 70/40/0/0

50/30/0/0

5/35/75/0

0/0/0/0

Watch the videos at AlltheDifference.ca Rick Ludwig Garnet van Popta Diane Vanderwoude Russell

146 Mill Street North • Waterdown, Ontario • L0R 2H0 905.689.4852 • www.kitchingsteepeandludwig.com

14 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER

COMPASS CREATIVE STUDIO INC TITLE: KSL_Logo_Rev_CMYK 201-1040 south service rd CLIENT: Kitching, Steepe, and Ludwig stoney creek, on L8E 6G3 DATE: July 2014 www.compasscreative.ca DESIGNER(S): Joel Reynolds Columns

Thunder thunder echoes in the soul

black with rain clouds spurt rivers stark behind sun-glowed poplars like the rift between heaven and earth – white heat flickers in forks,

leaps chasm vaults ravine jumps fissure in lightning bursts –

the gorge drops bottomless yet suspended over cleft and canyon the promise shines a million colours across the breach.

Kaitlyn Hogeterp

Kaitlyn is a country girl from the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia pursuing undergraduate studies online through Redeemer University. Kaitlyn welcomes feedback at [email protected]. "Living Water" scaled, by Grace Carol Bomer, an abstract expressionist painter and mixed media artist in Asheville, NC (gracecarolbomer.com).

DISRUPTIVE THEOLOGY REVISITED

Lloyd Rang | [email protected] feeling fatigued by only being able to do certain things online, Lloyd works in communications and is a member of Rehoboth there’s no doubt that a lot of pa- CRC in Bowmanville, Ont. tients, students, businesses and workers are benefitting from hav- ing a digital, on-demand option. IN 2016, I WROTE AN ARTICLE for Christian Courier called “Disrup- And when COVID is over, we tive Theology.” know that a lot of organizations I said that in the digital age, churches are less about where you live, aren’t going back to the old ways. and more about a community of believers with a shared understanding Banks, for example, are cutting of faith. That digital ways of connecting with each other were becoming their office footprints and letting more important to many of us than face-to-face connections. people work remotely because it I wrote: “The church is just as vulnerable as any other institution to saves money and doesn’t lead to . new ways people choose to see the world. Just ask Luther and Calvin. a drop in productivity. Uber Eats Maybe even more so – since faith itself is based on a close, personal – and expanded home delivery for Lightstock relationship with someone we feel like we know well, but have never restaurants – is here to stay. acknowledge that there is a mas- fellow Christians from around seen. I think we’re in the middle of a new Reformation – we don’t It’s as if, overnight, the world sive, painful gaping hole in the the world on social media. It know it yet.” got dragged 20 years into the dig- middle of a lot of ministries right feels like my congregation has That thesis seemed a little far-fetched to some people. I know that in ital future. now. And I don’t know if others gone global, in some ways. one course at Redeemer University, the article was – and remains – a miss my singing, but I sure do Thanks to COVID, the church hotly debated reading on a course syllabus. NEW COMMUNITIES miss singing along with them. has gone from somewhere you And then, COVID happened. So, what about churches? But not all the changes have go, to something that comes Overnight, everything changed everywhere. For example, doctors Some of the changes have been bad. In our own church, to you. From a community have been trying to get patients to use telemedicine for years. They been disastrous. Without mem- for example, there’s been an ex- down the street to a community wanted us to use conference calls for routine appointments and check- bers in the pews, and steady at- tra effort to connect everyone around the world. From a place ins, and to use virtual tools to guide surgeries in remote communities. tendance, donations have fallen. by phone. Our Pastor has done that you attend, to a place that Now, that’s happening. This has been especially hard on Facebook Live Bible studies. attends to you. In education, teachers said that school could be a mix of in-person urban congregations with expen- Sermons are available on-de- How many of these changes and remote learning – and that some kids would really benefit from an sive overhead, and a few promi- mand. That part has been great. will be permanent? Time will tell. online option. There was a ton of resistance to that kind of innovation, nent U.S. and Canadian church- For those of us who have busy But now that churches have been but now, that’s happening. es have had to close their doors schedules, active families or long disrupted – and have shown they Business leaders wanted people to sign up for virtual conferences for good. It’s also made funerals workdays, being able to interact can meet us where we live, and instead of taking expensive trips. And workers have been saying for and baptisms and weddings – all with your church on your own that gathering together doesn’t decades that technology would allow them to work from home. Now the important and in-person mo- time is a bit of a Godsend. And always have to mean being in the that’s happening, too. ments that bring people together I spend a lot of time these days same room together – it’s hard to Not only is all that happening, it’s working. And while people are – nearly impossible. We need to communicating with pastors and imagine going backwards.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 15 Columns

southern windows jammed with ing open her alabaster flask of ex- the empty tomb as the women numerous cacti. They were his pensive nard and pouring its con- peered into the dim cavern won- pride and joy. My mother chided tents onto Jesus. The teacher told dering where their beloved Jesus him for the snags they made in us the jar, once opened, could not had gone? her delicate sheers. But she final- be resealed. It was all or nothing. Even now – does the memory ly relented and tied back the cur- That’s how it should be when you of it come to mind as he sits at the tains so the prickly plants could love the Lord. Father’s right hand interceding take over. They rewarded us with Judas criticized her extrava- for his own, waiting as we are, prolific blooms. gance, pretending he would for the day of his return? At the first sign of a flower, have sold it and used the money For the love of Jesus, Mary Pa would move a cactus onto a to help the poor. But Jesus once gave a fragrant offering, a pleas- table so it had lots of space. We again defended Mary’s choice. ing aroma to the Lord. Her watched eagerly as the stem ex- She would be remembered for actions were right and good, tended and the bud developed. all time, he said, for the beautiful and graciously accepted. He was Each flower only opened fully for thing she had done for him. The anointed for burial, but destined 24 hours and then the show was fragrance filled the house. Surely for resurrection. over. Their gentle fragrance filled it smelled like cactus flowers. In a season of spring flowers our small home, especially when and new life we have great cause

Unsplash. multiple cacti bloomed at once. THE AROMA OF GOD to celebrate. “Thanks be to God, Helen Keller said, “Scent is a I picture the ointment soaking who in Christ always leads us potent wizard that transports you into his hair, glistening on his in triumphal procession, and THE SCENT OF SALVATION across thousands of miles and skin. I wonder – did the scent per- through us spreads the fragrance all the years you have lived.” So vade his fervent prayers in Geth- of the knowledge of him every- Heidi VanderSlikke | [email protected] true. I have only to close my eyes semane’s garden? Did the aroma where. For we are the aroma of and with a deep breath I smell cling to him – mingling with the Christ to God among those who Heidi lives in Mapleton Township, Ont. Her life and writing centre on faith, family and farm life. that lily-like perfume wafting blood, sweat and tears of the are being saved and among those through the house. Suddenly I’m hours that followed? Would it who are perishing, to one a fra- seven years old again. serve as an indelible reminder of grance from death to death, to MY FATHER HAD A GREEN THUMB. It seemed whatever he planted It’s a scent that permeates my those he loved so dearly – those the other a fragrance from life to flourished – vegetables, fruits, flowers, shrubs and houseplants. He imagination every time I read of for whom he would soon suffer a life” (2 Cor. 2: 14-16). loved all things horticultural. Our dining room looked like a green- Mary anointing Jesus at Bethany. criminal’s death? Think of that when you smell house. I recall tables full of various plants, a huge rubber tree in one In Grade Two I first heard the Was there a subtle but un- an Easter lily this year. Breathe corner, a thriving schefflera in another, and the wide sills of the two story of this dear woman break- deniable hint of it lingering in deeply!

tive, downplay vulnerabilities, hope for the future no longer AN HONEST EASTER and share news of their min- breathes or walks or leads. His istry in the best possible light. death can only prompt a the- Roland De Vries | [email protected] It would be easy to approach ology of radical truth-telling. this question of spin from a The second statement is very Roland teaches at The Presbyterian College, Montreal. He likes moral or moralizing point of different from the first. Yet in its to explore culture and play with words. view. But it seems more faithful own way it exhibits an honesty to approach it as a spiritual and that has caused consternation in FEIGANG FEI HAS MADE a name across the years and various theological matter. Beneath the the church: “He is alive!” Some for himself; he’s gone viral. media; it explores how compa- temptation to spin the truth – have been inclined to spiritu- Fei is a restaurant owner here nies pitch their products. Rarely, to downplay institutional chal- alize the resurrection; to mock in Montreal who has shot to if ever, is the pitch made with lenges and vulnerabilities – is God with metaphor, as Updike fame for his honesty about the anything like the honesty that a question of trust. Do we trust puts it in his Seven Stanzas at food served at his restaurant. Fei exhibits on his menu. (The that God will work for our flour- Easter. Jesus’ resurrection has The headline of a New York irony is that, since going viral, ishing if others know the un- been spun as relatable and pos- Times piece says it all: “A Rare Fei has barely been able to keep varnished truth about the chal- sible, yet it is neither of these Menu That Tells the Truth: The up with the takeout orders!) lenges or problems we face? things. A dead man is now alive. Pork? Greasy. The Beef? Meh.” Perhaps this will strike you as For those who would follow On the menu itself, Fei expresses UNVARNISHED an unusual introduction to an this one, full honesty is embed- bewilderment that people con- The tendency to spin things – to Easter column. The connection, ded in the telling of his story. tinue to order the braised pork characterize reality in the best however, lies in the extraordi-

belly, since it’s so greasy. And possible way – is not reserved nary truth-telling of the Easter TELL THE WHOLE STORY . he’s nothing short of surprised only for advertisers and restau- narrative. That truth-telling is I am not suggesting we shouldn’t that anyone would order the rant owners. Many of us easily found in two related statements, celebrate the good things that Submitted “mouth-watering chicken” since get into the act. I recall the head the first being: “He is dead.” God is doing in our lives and in- Feigang Fei became famous for he isn’t 100 percent sure about of a North American theologi- There is no spinning the death stitutions. Yet we should be pro- his honest menus. the flavours. cal school saying that “donors of Jesus toward a better fu- foundly wary when vulnerabili- Perhaps you are familiar with want to give to a successful ture. There is no packaging his ties and challenges are glossed burnish our own credentials. “The Age of Persuasion,” a CBC institution.” (The sort of thing lifeless body as an assurance over; when we find ourselves From time to time perhaps radio show. If so, you’ll likely Jesus would say!?) Pastors and that everything is proceed- hedging toward a failure to tell we should take the lead from agree that Feigang Fei is worth leaders of parachurch minis- ing as planned. The teacher the whole story. This is partic- someone like Feigang Fei. Of a whole episode. The show is tries sometimes feel a similar is dead. His life is over. The ularly so, of course, when the the Dry Wok Pork Intestine, he an exploration of advertising pressure to accent the posi- one in whom we placed our positive picture we paint would says: “It’s kind of too dry.”

16 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Columns

BEING RE-MEMBERED tions around Christmas. Christ- Thomas wasn’t prepared to be- than an Easter resurrection. mas is the biggest celebration of lieve in resurrection either un- Birth we know and understand. Bob Bruinsma | [email protected] all the religious holidays. Schools til he could see and touch. So, Death also. But resurrection? are out for a two-week break; even those who had been with Bob, at almost 75 years of age, is ever more aware of death and there are parties galore, festive Jesus and witnessed the raising PUT TOGETHER AGAIN resurrection. decorations everywhere, and of Lazarus, the widow’s son One of the robbers crucified next good cheer abounds. The birth and Jairus’ daughter couldn’t to Christ asks Jesus to remem- of a cute little baby in a manger, really believe it could happen ber him when he comes into his celebrated by singing angels and again. Let’s face it, it’s hard for kingdom. And Jesus promises exotic wise men from the East, all of us. Year in and year out him that he will. I’ve always fires our imaginations. But Eas- people are born, and people die. been struck by that promise to ter, not so much. After all, Easter But people aren’t raised from remember. We think of remem- Sunday is preceded by the gloom the dead. They just turn to dust bering as the cognitive act of and doom of Friday’s crucifixion. and are no more. Yes, there are keeping something or someone And then resurrection. Come on, those stories in the Bible of the in mind. But I like to think that who can really believe that? doubting disciples who expe- in the robber’s case and that of Cleopas and his friend walked rienced a risen Christ, and of our own, it literally means that more than 10 miles with Jesus Saul’s conversion on the road to Jesus will re-member us, that is, after his resurrection and even Damascus and his subsequent put our members (bodily parts) told him (without recognizing proclamation that the resurrec- back together again. After all, him) that some foolish women tion of Jesus is the lynchpin of he knows the unique genetic had seen an empty tomb, and that the Christian faith. Saul, who code of each one of us, and just they had “so hoped that he was became Paul, is adamant that as in the beginning he made hu- Lightstock. the one to redeem Israel” (Luke Christianity is just a vain whis- mankind out of the dust of the “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been 24:21). But alas. . .. tling in the dark against the earth, so too he will re-mem- raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has And Mary, who went to the ruthless inevitability of death ber us on that last day when the been in vain and your faith has been in vain” (1 Cor. 15:13-14). empty tomb, met a gardener if Jesus’ resurrection is just a trumpet sounds. (who was Jesus), but didn’t rec- wishful myth. Christ is risen! He is risen in- I’VE OFTEN WONDERED why Easter celebrations are not nearly such a ognize him because dead people But it’s much easier to get deed! We, too, will rise again! big deal in our culture (or even in Christian churches) as the celebra- don’t come back from the dead. excited about a Christmas birth Blessed Easter to us all!

hunting ended with some stu- PAT dents volunteering for a mock interview. Pat’s career in Hu- Louisa Bruinsma | Guest Columnist man Resources made her a per- Louisa is a retired high school English teacher teaching ESL (now fect interviewer. She conducted via ZOOM) in Edmonton, with students from all over the world who a formal interview based on a teach her so much about living, loving and learning. standard application for various positions in a local greenhouse. It I MET HER AT THE swimming pool. was real. And professional. With We would chat together in the complete respect and total atten- shower (and later joked that we tion from all the students. probably wouldn’t recognize each After the last class before COVID other “with clothes on”). A few shut things down (March 16, 2020), Submitted. times we arranged to walk togeth- I treated Pat to lunch at Boston Piz- The ESL class “hatted” at a Halloween celebration. er in downtown Edmonton’s river za. That is when she told me that valley during lunch breaks. I even- new cancer had been discovered, her face, unashamed. We swapped stories of delight in our grandchildren. tually left my job, and we lost touch. and this time in her brain. It was Her George. So dear to her. Then, one day, about to close back to chemo and radiation. Recently I emailed her, and cc’ed David, just in case she wasn’t up the door to the classroom where I to screen time. I didn’t hear back. was teaching an ESL class, I spot- DEEPLY LOVED But when I saw the tulips and crocuses ready to bud at Safeway, I ted someone who resembled Pat. I’ve tried to stay in touch with Pat knew where to bring them. The timing was perfect when I arrived at

A bit hesitantly I approached her Bruinsma Louisa and her husband, David. Both are their home as David had just arrived home, a trunk filled with grocer- and said, “Pat?” And we threw Pat helping a student from Haiti. very active members of All Saints ies. I gave him the flowers but forgot to put on my mask. our arms around each other. She Anglican Cathedral in downtown “Pat is not doing well,” he said. “She’s failing.” The -20-degree invited me to her home for a visit I shared my passion for teaching Edmonton, and both are active in temperatures made my tears freeze into little beads that rolled down to explain why I hadn’t seen her ESL. She was very intrigued and social justice issues and attended my cheeks. But I didn’t hide them. David said, “We are so blessed. I around. She had been diagnosed suggested she might like to volun- KAIROS gatherings I’ve organ- have had a special wife all these years. I am blessed.” with cancer, had endured radi- teer in the class. Not much later, ized in our home. I’ve visited Today David sent a message thanking me for the flowers: “. . . we ation (lost her hair) and chemo. I had a new recruit. Pat was a hit only outside on their front porch, are thankful for how God opens us to understand we are not alone, She’d quit her Human Resources in the class. She took initiative. masked, not wishing to expose Pat, but also deeply loved. During these times Pat and I are having we job with the Province of Alberta. She’d jump to the white board to giving only virtual hugs. The last are understanding just a little more about our Creator and why love The prognosis was not good. scrawl down vocabulary, dare to time she wore a beautiful sweater remains as the central quest and question within our human lives. We Relatives had visited to say their wear outrageous hats at the Hal- she had knit, the same colour as her think we understand so much about love, but maybe all we are seeing final good-byes. loween class, and always brought striking eyes, and then yanked off are the faint outlines.” But things had turned around prizes for our word Bingo. her knitted toque to show her bald I thought, this is not resilience. It is not courage. It is the light of and she was doing much better. One series of lessons on job head, with a mischievous grin on resurrection. An open tomb.

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 17 Columns

leading up to Easter. gles to provide his children with Orr. Homer-Dixon adds that it DISRUPTIVE HOPE Overturning the moneychang- a reason for hope in the face of needs to be astute in understand- er tables in the temple square these combined threats. He is ing different worldviews, have Kathy Vandergrift | [email protected] could be cheered as courageous alert to the reality that today’s moral clarity, and be powerful protest. But claiming the title children are the first genera- enough to drive complex changes Kathy, a public policy analyst, brings experience in government, social of King of the Jews in front of tion with lower expectations for and counteract the fear and nega- justice work and a Master’s Degree in Public Ethics to her reflections. the powerful Pilate? That’s dan- their future material well-be- tive emotions that come with dan- gerous disruption of the exist- ing. Homer-Dixon is known for ger to our own realities. Another “RETURN TO NORMAL” AND “Build Back Better” are the two dominant ing order. And then comes the early predictions of the damage insight I appreciated is the need mindsets for COVID-recovery. Any suggestion of more disruption resurrection: death to life, with climate change is now doing to emphasize what people have would invite stone-throwing, but that may be our future. High levels claims for renewal of the whole and the 2008-2009 financial cri- in common, while not ignoring of present anxiety and fear for the future lead to equating hope with world. The ultimate disruption! sis. He studies complex systems differences, in a more profound more tranquility. Is there another kind of hope? Is hope possible in the Scary and upsetting – but also a and wicked problems. Those pluralism than we see in today’s midst of forces that are disrupting every area of life? purpose that grounds a different are problems that require major focus on divisive identities. I imagine the followers of Jesus had similar questions in the weeks kind of hope. changes in worldviews, institu- tions, and technologies to effec- COMMANDING OR SMART, POWERFUL HOPE tively address them. DISRUPTIVE HOPE? The disruptions we are expe- Hope in such a disruptive con- In the end, Homer-Dixon grounds riencing in COVID-times are text, says Homer-Dixon, needs to a Commanding Hope in the uni- serious, but they are small com- be realistic, alert to threats without versal impulse to protect our chil- pared to the upheavals that will denial or minimization. It will take dren and the recognition that we likely come as the increasing more than positive thinking, opti- share a common future. Imagin- impacts of climate change in- mism or even resilience to main- ing a better future and engaging tersect with social unrest that tain hope. Christians would agree in a heroic fight to achieve it can be grounds for hope. It seems a Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up. rather slim basis to me. I find my- self wondering if his children will is an inevitable result of grow- with his assessment that faith in find it enough to sustain them. ing social and economic ineq- technological change is misplaced To ground my hope, I turn to the uities. Both of these patterns hope. Hope for our times needs to resurrection as God’s disrupting are well-documented. In a new be active, even aggressive. “Hope hope for disruptive times. book called Commanding Hope, is a verb with its sleeves rolled

Unsplash. Thomas Homer-Dixon strug- up,” said eco-philosopher David

WAITING FOR THE VACCINE THE SHAPE OF COVID-19 The new RNA technology (it’s Rudy Eikelboom | [email protected] complicated) that developed the various COVID-19 vaccines is Rudy is a pastoral elder at Waterloo CRC and a professor in the Psychology now being applied to other virus- Department at Wilfrid Laurier University. Find a longer version of this based diseases to see if we can column at christiancourier.ca. create better vaccines. The current technology used to make flu vac- LAST MONTH, I TOLD you about becomes more dangerous. cine is slow, and production must an AI program that can predict This is what has happened be started months before flu sea- protein shapes (Feb. 8). Just like with the so-called variants of the son, with a guess as to which flu the letters that make up a word, COVID-19 virus; the virus has strain will be most active. If the the amino acid chain makes up a become stickier, making it spread Cagle. guess is a good one, the flu vac- protein, and the 3D shape it forms more easily. Viruses often change which is why vaccine protection is not immediate and sometimes takes cine works well. The hope is that determine what a protein does like this, and when the changes a second dose. But, once learned, our immune response can be rapid. the new RNA technology, as it is in the body. If one of the amino make the virus more effective Once our immune system knows which protein to attack, it can kill the improved, will mean we can cre- acids changes, the shape changes they’re more likely to be repli- virus that uses it. But if the virus mutates so that the shape of its protein ate effective vaccines more quick- and the protein is altered. cated. Thus the concern about the changes, the immune system might not know it needs to attack, or it ly. The production and distribution SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus, new versions of the virus, like may be less effective. This potential for shape changes has led to con- problems with the two approved has a protein on its surface with the British, South African and cerns about the new variants. The evidence, to the best of our current COVID-19 vaccines suggest that a shape permitting it to attach Brazilian variants – more effect- knowledge, is that our vaccines are still effective against these variants, improvements with this technol- to cells in our body. Once at- ive viruses will spread more, and but further changes might mean we’ll need to rework the vaccine. ogy would be welcome. tached, the virus can enter the therefore kill more people. The more cases of COVID-19 in the population, the more opportun- But until the vaccine has been cell, reproduce itself, and spread ities there are for the virus to change. In some viruses, mutations occur widely distributed in this pan- throughout our body, which we STILL EFFECTIVE more frequently. The flu virus is the best example; it changes often, demic, we would all be wise to do call COVID-19. If the shape of There is a second and related issue there are multiple families of the flu virus, and some strains are more as much as we can to prevent the this surface protein on the virus with virus variants. Our vaccines deadly than others. As these changes are random, we have no way of spread of the virus. We know this changes because a different amino take a small part of the virus – per- predicting what they will be or how much they will change the flu and can be done by wearing masks acid occurs in one or more places, haps one of its proteins – and tell its effects. The Spanish flu was a variant that emerged at the end of and keeping socially distant. If it may attach better and thus in- our immune system that this shape World War I and killed 50 million people. It has been extensively stud- we take these two simple steps, crease its ability to make us sick. must be attacked and destroyed. ied in the fear that it may occur again. These relatively rapid changes we can help prevent the virus As this newer, more potent ver- Our immune system learns slow- in the flu virus are why there is a different vaccine each year, and why from mutating into something sion of the virus spreads, the virus ly, or at least slower than viruses, we need to get a yearly flu shot. even more deadly.

18 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Columns

itics in less helpful ways. My end, our political and social woes DISRUPTIVE POLITICS Calvin colleague Kristin Du ultimately stem from some form of Mez’s recent book Jesus and idolatry. Derek Schuurman | [email protected] John Wayne was an eye-opening We Canadians should not be- Derek and his wife Carina are Canadians living in Michigan account of the influence of Amer- come smug at the political chal- where he teaches at Calvin University. ican evangelicalism on U.S. poli- lenges faced by our American tics. Reading this book alongside neighbours. It’s far easier to see other books, like Hillybilly El- a splinter in the eye of another WE HAVE LIVED AS Canadian ex- present viewers with completely egy and Neil Postman’s classic, than one in our own eyes. We pats in the U.S. for nearly four different narratives and alternate Amusing Ourselves to Death, must resist having the attitude of years now. Shortly after arriv- views of reality. When this po- helps to paint a complex picture the Pharisee in Luke 18, gazing ing, we realized that bringing up larization is mixed with faith and of historical, economic, religious over the border thankful that we politics in conversation was in- nationalism, the results lead to and cultural forces that have con- are not like other nations. We all sensitive to the pain many of our divisions, not only among Amer- tributed to the moment where serve a god of some sort, Canadi- American friends were experi- icans, but also within families. Americans find themselves today. ans included, and we are just as encing. We needed the advice of susceptible to our own ideologies Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady: FAITH IN THE PUBLIC SPHERE IDEOLOGIES & IDOLS and idols. stick to subjects like the weather I had much to learn as a new However, another helpful book to The role of politics is just one A beautiful disruption of snow at Calvin U. and health. Indeed, it has been a immigrant to America. My un- understand this moment is Political sphere of human activity, one disruptive and heart-wrenching derstanding of American culture universities have much more re- Visions and Illusions by my friend that ought not spill into every time for our American friends and needed to be developed far deep- spect and legitimacy in the U.S. (and fellow CC columnist) David other sphere. Governments ought neighbo(u)rs. We have observed er than the stereotypes illustrated than I observed in Canada. We Koyzis. In this book, Koyzis shows to focus on the promotion of jus- the highly polarized nature of in movies like Canadian Bacon observed how faith is openly how different political ideologies tice, what Paul Marshall defines U.S. politics and how it strains and in Rick Mercer’s feature on expressed and even welcomed stem from religious worldviews. as giving everything “its right, relationships. Many people are “Talking to Americans.” in the public square. I have at- Each political party carries its own its created place in God’s world.” entrenched in their partisan sides, Indeed, there are many things tended public meetings, even in ideological assumptions about the This justice should create space supporting their party while ig- we found refreshing in Ameri- professional areas like engineer- nature of reality and visions of the for other spheres, like families, noring its shortcomings, vilify- ca. The entrepreneurial impulse ing, that were opened in prayer. common good. Political ideologies schools and businesses to de- ing the other party, and denying here seems to be more vibrant Business leaders and media per- such as liberalism, conservatism, velop in a way faithful to their any legitimate points raised by than in Canada. We have been sonalities are not afraid to weave nationalism or socialism can be- God-given callings. May we in the other side. The gulf between astounded by the customer ser- their faith into their public dis- come idols which flow out of the Canada and the United States Americans has been amplified vice in American banks and course. heart to transform societies into the both pray for peace, justice and by partisan news media which stores. Christian colleges and But faith has mixed with pol- image of the god they serve. In the good government. A CREED FOR TROUBLED TIMES

David T. Koyzis | [email protected] events in human history. For David is a Global Scholar with Global Scholars Canada and just as God raised Jesus from the author of Political Visions and Illusions and We Answer to the dead, so he has promised Another: Authority, Office, and the Image of God. that we too shall be raised at the last day. This is something that I THROUGHOUT THE WORLD many Christians recite or chant on a am taking great comfort in after weekly basis the ancient Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, with these seeing so much adversity in so familiar closing lines: “We look for the resurrection of the dead and many people’s lives. the life of the world to come.” When repeated so frequently, it is easy to neglect their inner meaning. Yet the words nevertheless enter our SIXTH-DAY CREATURES hearts in a subconscious way, available to us when we need them. Apart from the Bible, which And now, of all times, we definitely need them. The past year has I read at least twice daily, the been difficult for so many people. We long ago tired of the imposed book that has most heightened (necessary) lockdowns. Tensions have boiled over into violence in my hope in the resurrection is the United States, Russia, and even the otherwise peaceful Nether- Jim Skillen’s God’s Sabbath with

lands. Existing societal divisions have been exacerbated by the need Creation, which I read two years SA Wikimedia by for physical distancing. More than two million people have died from ago. After this book, I am read- Mosaic in St Michaels Church, Slovenia. COVID-19, and some of these deaths have touched family and friends. ing such biblical texts as 1 Cor- ter into his rest, is built into the very structure of his creation. As Paul Our own family has suffered loss. Both of my parents-in-law died inthians 15 and Hebrews 3-4 in a puts it, “What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It within 14 months of each other, one of their deaths COVID-related. different light. Our own resurrec- is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it My father died last August at a good old age, and since then I take tions are not just an afterthought is raised in power. It is sown a physical body; it is raised a spiritual time every day to FaceTime my mother, a widow after 66 years of made necessary by our sin. From body” (1 Cor. 15:42-44). When we enter God’s rest on that seventh marriage. I’ve not seen my barber in months, and I have the long hair the outset God structured his cre- day, we will share in that final redemption when creation “will be set to prove it, but I worry about how he and other small businesspeople ation in term of six days, as out- free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the are getting along with their shops closed. Late last year I delivered a lined in the first chapter of Gen- children of God” (Rom. 8:21). chapel address on the 11th chapter of Job, a book whose author puz- esis. We ourselves are sixth-day In the meantime, as we await our own resurrections at Christ’s return, zles over the misfortunes suffered by the righteous – something at the creatures, made in God’s image, we continue to confess with the Creed that “the third day he arose again, surface of our concerns these days. but perishable all the same. During these troubled times, the message of Easter takes on according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the deeper meaning. In 12 years, we will celebrate the 2,000th anni- Yet God’s seventh day, when right hand of the Father; and he shall come again with glory to judge the versary of Jesus’ death and resurrection, by far the most significant we are raised to new life and en- living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.”

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 19 $1,000. And I find myself tempt- ‘EFFICIENT’ EDEN? ed to increase my garden space even though we produce enough Curt Gesch | [email protected] for ourselves with plenty left to Curt is a retired teacher and semi-active farmer living in Quick, B.C. give away. Must I grow as much This is Part 3 in a short series that started in January. as I can possibly grow? Should I increase the size of my garden? Should I emulate the Chinese IT’S TEMPTING TO FOLLOW the to see farmers bringing weeds farmers mentioned above? (China utilitarian ideal – “designed to and leaves from the hills to their is now moving towards extensive be useful or practical rather than paddies and “squishing” them in farming which increases capital attractive” – when thinking about between the rice plants to under- costs, decreases rural population the population of this world. We stand just how valuable natural and employment, and almost need, say some, to use every inputs were to these farmers. never can outproduce intensive square inch of space to feed a As noted in a previous column farming on a cost-per-acre basis.) rapidly increasing population. (Feb. 8), machinery tends to make According to some research- Combine this concern with decisions for us: if we have the ma- ers, “small farms – with about 25 mechanization and extensive chine, we think we have to use it acres or less – along with family- agriculture, and all sorts of things and the natural landscape will just run operations . . . produce over Dina Hansen. happen. The most intensive farm- have to change. Whether massive 70 percent of the world’s food.” Curt’s friend Dina Hansen grows quinoa -- Is it useful or merely pretty? ers in the world might well be land-clearing, such as what’s done Let’s not glorify the back-break- the Chinese and Japanese peas- in the forests of B.C. and Canada’s ing work of using hand tools over legal (and sometimes where it is not); hedgerows are eliminated, even ant farming systems (see Farm- parklands, is actually profitable in machinery, but recognize that some windbreaks are removed. Hillocks are levelled, small patches of ers of Forty Centuries by F.H. terms of energy, capital and human when we in North America and forests cleared, and creek banks grazed. One wonders about the costs King). In those systems multiple values is not clear. Europe get bigger and bigger in of running an excavator or bulldozer and the bale or two that is gained. crops were grown on each plot terms of our farm sizes and cap- As one local person commented, “Oh, all that machine work will pay each year (a long growing season IS BIGGER BETTER? ital investments, we are not ne- for itself – in about twenty years.” helps) and a variety of animals, Gardeners are not immune to cessarily being the most efficient In his poem Binsey Poplars, felled 1879, G.M. Hopkins says, “O if fish and poultry were raised on these trends. I remember when in producing food. we but knew what we do / When we delve or hew – / Hack and rack what we would consider minute I thought I would save about We have seen the results of the growing green!” farms – sometimes a couple acres $1,500 per year by growing vege- utilitarianism in this area, in the Are there limits to what we can do to remodel the land? Will our or less. Outside inputs were neg- tables. That was when I used Midwest, in the prairies. Zillions activities eventually bite us in lower water tables, in minor weather ligible or non-existent. Composts a spade, rake and hoe. Now I of those little “bowls” in our pattern changes? What is truly useful? It’s a question we need to and green manure were man- have a beautiful rototiller – my fields have been filled in; “swamp answer. It goes well with Wendell Berry’s question, “How much is aged as essential. One has only second one – that cost more than busting” is prevalent wherever too much?”

COME HUNGRY The disciples asked how they could feed the people. Jesus asks, “How female image of providing an many loaves do you have?” Seemingly, not much. abundant meal, “You prepare a Jesus directed them to sit in groups “on the green grass,” maybe a table before me, in the presence Tom Wolthuis | [email protected] hint. He prays the meal blessing and gives to his disciples to give to of my enemies . . . my cup Tom is a minister in the Christian Reformed Church and the Director of others. All are satisfied (related to the same Greek root word for “grass” overflows.” There are abundant Geneva Campus Ministry at the University of Iowa. earlier), and there are leftovers, 12 basketfuls. How? I don’t know. I do leftovers. There’s a new shepherd see a new shepherding host working with the world’s resources through in town. WE’RE ALL HUNGRY. Some are hungry for literal food. We might be his disciples to hold a new banquet. Jesus does in a moment what God Jesus sings the shepherd song hungry for the social engagement of eating together. COVID has means to do every day if there were justice and righteous leaders. in John 10. “I am the good prompted hunger for many aspects of life. We hunger for communion shepherd [who] lays down his – with people and with God. THE SHEPHERD’S BANQUET life for the sheep” (John 10:14). God promises a banquet. In my high school we had Junior/Senior Just as Herod’s banquet tells other stories, so does Jesus’. “Sheep Banquets, not proms. We could not dance (perhaps in more ways than without a shepherd,” the “green grass,” and the 12 baskets provide THE GREATER BANQUET one). I do not remember the food, but I remember my beautiful date, hints. At the end of his life Moses asked to be that shepherd of the Jesus symbolizes the greater now my wife for 44 years. Banquets are about more than food. sheep. He had abused his power and could not (Num. 27:12-17). The banquet (John 2). The Jewish prophet Micaiah challenges Ahab’s false leadership with the vision of preparation water is turned HEROD’S BANQUET shepherd-less sheep (1 Kings 22). Zechariah and Jesus saw this image into abundant wine, and the The Gospel of Mark paints a contrast of banquets (ch. 6). Herod’s as Israel’s struggle (Zech. 13:7; Mark 14:27). wedding banquet is saved. banquet was about more than food. It was about power. The earthly The “green grass” hints at more, a good shepherd. Mark and Jesus Behind this is Isaiah’s vision: powers were the host and the invitees. There was the power of dance are picking up the long-sung refrain in Psalm 23. It closes with the “On this mountain the Lord and maybe its sexuality. Herod was boasting of his power with the Almighty will prepare a feast words King Xerxes said to Esther, “up to half of my kingdom,” and of rich food for all peoples, reflecting the downfall of the arrogant King Belshazzar in Daniel 5. a banquet of aged wine – the The women used their power to get their way. The powerful partied best of meats and the finest of while the poor were imprisoned and killed, foreshadowing Jesus’ wines. On this mountain he will future, but not his end. . . . swallow up death forever” (Isa.25:6–8a). “Then the angel JESUS’ BANQUET said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed Right after Herod’s banquet Mark tells us of Jesus’ banquet. His was are those who are invited to the not in a palace of plenty but in a wilderness of want. The guests were wedding supper of the Lamb!’” different – not the world’s powers but the harassed hungry, “sheep (Rev.19:9). without a shepherd.” The resources seemed much more limited. There Come hungry to the Easter was no dancing, boasting or conniving. There was a question: “How?” Wikimedia banquet. “Preparations for a Feast” by Pieter Aertsen.

20 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Enjoying a trial or Christ ’s borrowed copy of this issue? Resurrection Story West Africa can be a difficult place to share a message of salvation. Still, ReFrame’s partners there are ready to share the hope of Christ’s resurrection with their fellow French speakers this Easter. And many of them are celebrating that hope because of gifts from Christian Reformed individuals and congregations.

Naomi shared her powerful testimony in ReFrame’s youth video series on Facebook and YouTube. Born into a Muslim family, Naomi first heard about Christ while attending church with her aunt.

“As someone who had not experienced much love in their life before, I was moved to give my life to someone who loves us unconditionally.” Subscribe to Christian Courier today! Look forward to a new issue filled with independent, hope-filled Christian journalism delivered to your mailbox each month.

Celebrating 75 years of journalism ministry!

Two years/24 issues: $120 One year/12 issues: $60 Half year/6 issues: $30

Use code newsub for $10 off!

Subscribe online: christiancourier.ca Contact Sarah: 1-800-275-9185

See Naomi’s video and help others in Email: [email protected] Burkina Faso hear the Easter story this year at ReFrameMinistries.org/Easter

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 21 Hulse & English BAKKER Funeral Home ADSBARRISTER & CLASSIFIEDS & SOLICITOR 75 Church St. St. Catharines For 1information Keefer Road and to submit an 905-684-6346 - 24 Hours St. Catharines ON L2M 6K4 ad, email [email protected] or Email: [email protected] hulseandenglish.com submitEast onlineof Lock at 1 christiancourier.ca- on site parking Holly Rousseau - Managing Director Next issue905-688-9352 date: April 12, 2021 Serving the community over150 years Deadline:Albert J March Bakker 24, 2021

[email protected] RAMAKER'S IMPORTS INC. St Catharines > 905.646.0199 [email protected] Beamsville > 905.563.7374 MEESTER We specializeMeester in St Catharines > 905.646.0199 INSURANCE CENTRE Burlington > 905.643.6978 DUTCHInsurance FOOD / CHEESE Centre / Beamsville > 905.563.7374 CHOCOLATE / TEXTILES & GIFTS Burlington > 905.643.6978 European Deli and Gifts Home • Auto • Farm • Business • Life 579 Ontario St., St. Catharines ON L2N 4N8 o/b P.V.& V. Insurance Centre Ltd. 118 Wyndham St. N. Guelph Fax: 905-934-3344 905-934-6454 The Village Square 519-822-4690 [email protected] Rd 20, P.O. Box 299 760 Upper James St., Hamilton www.dykstrabros.com Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 DYKSTRA BROS ROOFING LTD, R.R.#1 BEAMSVILLE ON L0R 1B1 ramakersimports.com 905-383-2981 Tel: 905.957.2333 • Fax: 905.957.2599 www.dykstrabros.com Toll Free: 1.800.465.8256 DYKSTRA BROS ROOFING LTD, R.R.#1 BEAMSVILLE ON L0R 1B1

Serving Beamsville GARY VAN EYK CPA,CMA BAKKER Serving Beamsville and area since 1969 Chartered Professional Accountant and area since 1969 Accounting - Tax - Financial Consulting BARRISTER & SOLICITOR Complete Collision Repairs 126 Niagara Street Complete Collision Repairs Quality Refinishing 201- 50 Lakeport Rd., St. Catharines ON L2R 4L4 Quality Refinishing St. Catharines ON L2N 4P7 On Site Parking – Side Door Entrance Jerry Gerritsen 5529 Regional Rd. #81 Jerry Gerritsen 5529 Regional Rd. #81 Ph: 905-646-7331 Fax: 905-646-0951 Email: [email protected] Alan Gerritsen Beamsville ON L0R 1B3 Alan Gerritsen Beamsville ON L0R 1B3 905-688-9352 Phone/Fax: 905-563-7702 E-mail: [email protected] Albert J Bakker Phone/Fax: 905-563-7702

Meester Insurance Centre European Deli and Gifts Home • Auto • Farm • Business • Life 118 Wyndham St. N. Guelph o/b P.V.& V. Insurance Centre Ltd. 519-822-4690 The Village Square Regional Rd 20, P.O. Box 299 760 Upper James St., Hamilton Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 905-383-2981 Tel: 905.957.2333 meesterinsurance.com • Fax: 905.957.2599 Toll Free: 1.800.465.8256

The business directory ads are 2.4068 by 1.6708 inches - can that be simplified? Will send individually and also greyscale ones in proper .pdfs when I know these are ok. They are currently for the second issue of the month but can put 4 in one issue and 4 in another or so when there are two issues in the month.

22 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER Classifieds

BIRTHDAYS

HOOGENBOOM, Hilda Hilda Hoogenboom (formally De Boer) will d.v. celebrate her 100th birthday on March 21, 2021. We, her children, thank God for her faith and good health all these years. Ray & Marie† De Boer Pete† & Karen† De Boer Marg & Bernie Wesseling (Jake Helder†) Tina & Leo VanTuyl Patricia & Donnie Boose Sue & George Theodorou Betty & Jim Dunnett

Correspondence: VOS BENTUM, Hennie # 106 - 98 Talbot E Lord willing Hennie Vos Bentum turns 90 on March 3rd. Jarvis ON NOA IJO OBITUARIES “This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Ps 118:24 Her children, grandchildren and great-grand children wish their Mom, Oma, and Great-Oma GELDERMAN, a very Happy Birthday. Herman We thank God for you and all that you are to our families. God is good. In his 94th year Herman of Neer- May our Lord God continue to bless you all the days of your life. landia, AB, went peacefully to Home address: 231 Ferguson Dr. Woodstock, ON N4V 1A6 his heavenly home on January 6, 2021, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 67 LETTER years, Lula (Krikke) whom he loved dearly, and their six chil- Dear Christian Courier, dren, Marcia (Henry) Stiksma, As I and my late wife Vicky read Christian Courier over the years, we have Rosalie, John (Pat Van Neck) noticed and read articles that are serious but of a lighter nature. My dear wife Gelderman, Wendell Gelderman was diagnosed about three years ago with Leukemia. We both accepted the (Marian Groot), Karen Gelder- fact that because of her age when diagnosed, 73, that she would not be recom- man (Jack Keefe) and Howard mended for stem cell transplant. (Brenda De Waal) Gelderman. Herman adored and was proud of 16 Vicky taught at Christian schools in St. Catharines, Hamilton and London, Ontario; grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. and in Victoria, B.C. During this time she touched many lives in many places, as A farmer all his working years, Herman was kind, friendly and accept- evident by the large number of people who wrote on the tribute wall at her funeral. ing of others. He found joy in his loving relationships with family and The following note was written by Vicky to her church a few weeks before good friends and was continually amazed by God’s creation shown to him she passed away. We would like to thank not just those at our church, Ancaster through the natural world. Christian Reformed Church, but many more people who knew Vicky. Herman was a peaceful presence in his church and community and lived Bruce Dykstra a life of gratitude. “For in God we live and move and have our being,” Acts 17:28. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Greetings and condolences to Lula and the family at marciastiksma@ I’m sitting in my living room on this perfect July day–a little rain and a little sun. A metaphor for life. gmail.com Currently I have two terminal diseases. Each one could be the cause of death, or maybe neither. We are still in the hand of our Creator God. He is an amazing, loving God who keeps coming by to let me know VAN HUIZEN, he loves me and that many love me. I experience your love in your cards and notes, your bowls of soup, Henk your help in the garden or the house. We relish your ongoing love and especially your ongoing prayers. On February 4th, 2021, the Lord During the past days we’ve read a great deal about the need for and the power of prayer. Let’s continue took Henk van Huizen home. He praying for each other. We are grateful for all of you. was born in the Netherlands in Vicky Dykstra 1932. He immigrated to Canada (October 27, 1943 – July 31, 2020). in 1952, and married in 1959. He studied Education at UBC. He was involved in the Christian school movement in BC his whole career. He leaves behind his wife, Wil- ly, and 4 children: Kathy, Arnie, Jacqueline and Christine and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Henk loved the Lord and lived his faith out well. VACATION

Holiday accommodation in Holland with vehicle rentals and tours. chestnutlane.nl

@ChrCourier ChrCourier CHRISTIANCOURIER.CA | MARCH 8, 2021 23 News

CELEBRATING A LIFE OF FAITH: POPE JOHN PAUL II

Uniquely Canadian holiday commeorates a Catholic pope. | Scott Moelker

well. Pope John Paul II’s strong support for workers and the poor inspired the creation of a quietly subversive labour union, Soli- darity, that challenged commu- nist rule in Poland. He was also credited with sparking the fall of communism in Eastern Europe by none other than Mikhail Gor- bachev, the last leader of the So- viet Union. Perhaps just as importantly for Canadians, he was the first Pope to visit Canada. The first of three visits here was in 1984. As part of this trip, he visited Martyr’s Shrine near Midland, Ontario, the site of a Jesuit mission to the Huron people. A number of Jesuit priests had been martyred there. He acknowledged both the Jesuit martyrs and the first Indigenous This cartoon demonstrates how Pope John Paul II broke down the walls of communism. Saint, Kateri Tekawitha, in his remarks. He shared his appreci- passion for bringing the Christian things, he wrote with a sense of ation for the rich culture of the faith to youth. Among other ini- joy, reminding Christians that

Marzana P. Pixabay Marzana P. Indigenous Peoples of Canada, tiatives, he started an annual event “We are an Easter People and Al- and all that they have to offer the called World Youth Day in 1985. leluia is our song!” ON APRIL 2, CANADA WILL ONCE AGAIN mark the anniversary of Church and world, in his mes- This became a triannual event for Pope John Paul II’s passing and celebrate his legacy on what Canadian sage. It was a subversive chal- youth to gather together to pray, THE CANADIAN parliament has declared “Pope John Paul II Day.” Why does Canada, lenge to a Western paradigm that worship and serve. In 2002, Pope CONNECTION a secular country of many faiths, commemorate a Catholic pontiff? often tightly linked the Christian John Paul II picked Toronto to The Members of Parliament dis- The Pope John Paul II Day Act was proposed by an MP of Polish faith and European culture, at a host the 17th World Youth Day, cussing the Pope John Paul II heritage in 2014. Wladyslaw Lizon said in Parliament that, “This is time when Canada still operated which attracted 100,000 young Day Act were clear that they saw not a bill to aid or promote one religion over another . . . this is a bill to residential schools. people. One World Youth Day set no reason for a secular country recognize Pope John Paul II’s legacy, which goes well beyond his role a Guinness world record for larg- to celebrate Pope John Paul II’s in the Catholic church. He stood for religious tolerance and freedom, WORLD YOUTH DAY BEGINS est crowd when it attracted five faith identity. They separated his and he spent a great deal of time encouraging interreligious dialogue. Pope John Paul II also carried million youth in the Philippines. actions against communism and To me, this represents a big part of what it means to be Canadian.” with him a deep respect for peo- In his role as Pope, he wrote his conciliatory attitudes towards Though not a legal holiday, Pope John Paul II Day was established ples of other faiths. In 1986, he encyclicals on many topics. An- other cultures and religions from the following year. What was this laudatory legacy, and is it really so welcomed representatives of ticipating the direction of our his faith, with the desire of cele- easily separated out from his role as Pope? the Dutch Reformed Church to modern culture as perhaps no brating only those things. How- Rome, saying that “Ecumenism other, he wrote Evangeliam Vitae ever, those of us who are Easter THE LEGACY is a pastoral priority in the Cath- or “The Gospel of Life,’’ in which People will understand where he Pope John Paul II’s personal motto was totus tuus, which means “all olic Church and for all Christians he drew a sharp distinction be- drew the courage and inspiration yours.” This was a reference to his dedication to Mary, in imitation of . . . We know that the divisions tween the Gospel, which brings to undertake these endeavours, the disciple commanded by Jesus to take Mary as his mother (John among Christians have been a life and truth, and the culture of and will have even more reason 19:27). As a motto it speaks to his identity as a person whose Christian scandal and an obstacle to the death. He prophetically warned to remember him on April 2nd. faith is all encompassing. Saint John Paul II, as he is commemorated mission of the Church in the against a future where techno- within the Church that he served as Pope, has an enormous legacy and world.” Speaking to Muslims in logical progress enabled “crimes it’s no surprise that it appeals to those outside of the Catholic Church. 1999, he reminded all present that against life” such as abortion, Scott Moelker However, one should not separate that legacy from his Catholic faith. “We believe in the same God, the euthanasia and subhuman work- Scott is a Catholic educa- One of his most lauded accomplishments is his stand against the one God, the living God. . .,” and ing or living condtions, on the tor and father of two girls. hateful ideologies of the 20th century. When the Nazi invasion of “In today’s world where God is basis of individual freedoms and He grew up in the Chris- Poland occurred, he performed as an actor and playwright in under- tragically forgotten, Christians rights. A series of his talks were tian Reformed Church, ground theaters and eventually joined an underground seminary. As and Muslims are called in one developed into the Theology of and by the grace of God, the first non-Italian Pope in over 450 years, he stood firm against spirit of love to defend and al- the Body, an integrated, Christian he was received into the Catholic Church at Easter Communism. His visit to communist Poland disrupted the illusion of ways promote human dignity, view of the body, human dignity Vigil in 2016. He retains a communist victory over the Christian religion in its territories by viv- moral values and freedom.” and sexuality that is still used by deep appreciation for his idly demonstrating that the underground Christian faith was alive and Pope John Paul II had a special Catholic educators today. In all Reformed roots.

24 MARCH 8, 2021 | CHRISTIAN COURIER