Frank Constanza was a minor prophet of sorts. He anticipated the popular new custom to ring in the Christmas season. It's the now traditional "airing of the grievances" over all the competing and corrupting agendas that have "taken over" Christmas (think faux-outrage Starbucks red cup guy). Maybe there are some explanations for this new tradition - the… Continue reading A light so lovely
Advent begins the Christian calendar, which is the way Christians mark time. Advent starts the annual march through time by naming all that’s wrong in us and this world, connecting us to deep hopes and longings that remain unfulfilled. Advent is a season for broken hearts. We take stock of our broken world, recognizing all… Continue reading The Decemberists and Advent
I’m a follower of one who began his life as an asylum seeker. I’m a member of a family of faith whose history stretches back to Abraham, and is summarized in refugee terms: “my father was a wandering Aramean.” The God who has called me has this penchant of binding up his life with those… Continue reading The refugee crisis: make it personal
I hate that I had to tuck my kids into the darkness of a terrible world this weekend. I could see fear creep over them as they witnessed the dark hearts of men drunk with hatred, propelled by the power of distorted ideas. It broke my heart to see them instinctively gather extra blankets, trying… Continue reading Pour mes cher enfants
In Canada, we know the old, old story well. It’s a story we love to tell because we know its true. It’s the secular story, of how religion is finally the casualty of the forward march of human enlightenment, ushering us into a non-religious, bias-free and objective space to live. It's a story hummed in… Continue reading A little light on a quiet life of faith
Did you hear this one: “two gods walk into a Toronto bar ...” The makings of a bad joke right? Add in talking dogs and it gets even worse. Scooby-doo meets Percy Jackson. Thankfully, Giller Prize short-listed Fifteen Dogs is none of this but rather a inventive, thoughtful wisdom romp (it’s an apologue - think… Continue reading Augustine for the dog park
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