A smorgasbord of food for thought, reflection and for sharing



My wife says that for many of our trips away what often stands out in my mind and what I share with others is what we ate along the way. For good or ill, food is an important part of the experience of travel for me. 

 Travelling through the pages of this issue, you will find a smorgasbord of articles on a variety of topics, most unrelated to each other, other than that they deal with aspects of life in its complexity and intricacy, and we hope that they will inspire you in some way.

The feature article on page 24 is an interview by Michael Kearney, who sat down with Rev. Ken Smith, the PRCNA minister who connected with university professor Rosaria Butterfield and by God’s grace, was able to lead her to the truth of God’s existence and of His salvation from sin.

Rosaria, once an atheist and a lesbian, has become a stalwart Christian and public speaker for the cause of Christ.

The interview also promotes the idea of hospitality, including sharing a meal, as a means of reaching out to those who would otherwise be completely uncomfortable with the idea of attending a worship
service.

 A second interview in this issue is by Pastor Christo Heiberg, who talks with a domestic servant in South Africa and a Christian woman, who shares her thoughts on the ongoing difficulties in that country, and what her faith means to her in terms of her life and work.

 Social justice is much in the news today and leaders in the Reformed/evangelical community have taken a stand by way of a statement to provide some direction going forward. But not all are agreed on its intended purpose. Gerry Wisz provides commentary on the story.

A significant development in formal education that is impacting Christian schools in Alberta, Canada may have serious ramifications for their future integrity. Christian schools in Alberta do receive partial funding from the provincial government, which means that they are therefore not free from government legislation, legislation that can undermine their principles as Christian institutions of learning. Hermina Dykxhoorn shares her findings on page 10.

Two articles note the significance of words and their importance in terms of truth and clarity. H. David Schuringa continues (from the previous issue) to look at words in light of the Cain and Abel story, this time looking at what Cain said to God after he killed his brother Abel, particularly with respect to God’s punishment of Cain.

And Brian Lee, Our Man in Washington, recommends the teaching of Latin in Christian schools as a means of “distilling the love of words in our covenant children.”

Marian Van Til reflects on the Autumn season (her favorite) and compares the dying we see all around us to our dying to self (corruptible bodies) with the glorious promise of resurrection and renewal in our future.

Much food for thought, and more besides. The portions are large, but we hope you find the food satisfying and nutritious.

Please share it with others as well.

John Van Dyk, Editor
Christian Renewal Magazine

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