February 7, 2025
I continue to look for signs of hope and resistance in these times. This week, I share some words from folks within the United Church of Canada. In the latest edition of Broadview Magazine, here are two worth reading.
Rev. Bri-Anne Swan’s very thoughtful and informative response to the reaction to Bishop Budde’s sermon:
And another very practical column from Rev. Christopher White about how communities and individuals of faith can act now:
5 ways people of faith can respond to Trump | Broadview Magazine
As part of the “buy Canadian” challenge that is permeating social media in the past two weeks, I have been challenging myself, as I am sure many of you are, to rethink my purchasing habits. My crisis this week has included trying to find an alternative to Amazon. I confess to being hopelessly reliant on this mega American corporation, owned by one of the billionaires present at Trump’s inauguration.
From Amazon Prime TV (and of course, it’s free delivery charges when you order something online) and my Kindle e-reader, I feel overwhelmed when I think of extricating myself from Amazon. There is Kobo, a Canadian owned corporation, and I am seriously considering that option.
The problem is, I have had a Kindle for about 15 years. I have hundreds of books on Kindle. A long time ago I decided not to buy any more physical books. I didn’t want to add to my already bulging bookcases. So over the past decade I have bought biblical commentaries, theological books, children’s books, mysteries, and self-help books. Some were even duplicates of large volumes that I already had but were just much easier to transport to Toronto. Kindle e-books are way cheaper … and you get them immediately. Sometimes I needed that immediacy in a Saturday night sermon writing session in Toronto.
Just so you don’t think of me as only a hopeless TV and movie addict, let me assure you that I can be equally addicted to books. Here is a sample of what’s on my Kindle …
The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate – took me over a year to finish, but I find his insights into trauma, family systems and the human condition eye opening and reassuring. Plus, he makes strong connections between the physical condition and the psychological. I go back to his insights often.
The mysteries – Martin Walker and the Chief Bruno series. My current addiction. Who knew I would be interested in a mystery series set in a small village in France, and it’s history (both ancient and fairly recent). Between the wine and the recipes and the people, I love them. And it’s a distraction. Other great mysteries – Parker and Pentecost by Stephen Spotswood; two Elly Griffiths series – Ruth Gallaway and the Brighton Mysteries; Peter Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma series (an Irish dalaigh or advocate in the 7th Century) and Rhys Dylan’s DCI Warlow books, set in Wales. I find them all quite addictive, and they all take me out of whatever I am worrying about and into another world.
Other things on my Kindle …
Contemporary theological writers … Brian McLaren (Do I Stay Christian?), Amy-Jill Levine (Jesus for Everyone), Nadia Bolz-Weber (Accidental Saints), Rachel Held Evans (Searching for Sundays), Marcus Borg (The Heart of Christianity) … and many more.
Liturgy and prayer books, children’s books – too many to mention
Commentaries and other self-help/spiritual reflection resources – Women’s Bible Commentary, The Artist’s Way, Original Blessing by Matthew Fox.
Books from some of the Canada Reads recommendations from the past 20 years.
So perhaps you can understand my dilemma. Last night I realized there are many books on my Kindle that I haven’t read or finished. Perhaps that’s where I start. Not buying anything new. Although I did buy another Chief Bruno book last night.
Last one. Promise.
This Sunday we look at two stories of healing in the Gospel of Luke. I will also talk about the move A Real Pain, which is nominated for several Academy Awards. Here’s the trailer. It’s a thoughtful and uplifting comedy about two mismatched cousins who travel to Poland to honour their grandmother. I think it is available to watch on Disney +, or it says you can rent it on Amazon Prime. Sigh …
https://youtu.be/_SrV71wT7kg?si=mmlg1s_XZbnN-jnz
Here is another longer clip I found called “extended preview” if you don’t have access to the movie. I think it gives you a good idea of the writing, and Culkin’s performance, and the brilliant balance between comedy and tragedy that the movie achieves.
https://youtu.be/_SrV71wT7kg?si=mmlg1s_XZbnN-jnz
