Wise Reader by David Daniels

Vol. 22, No. 12

Pay attention to growing voice of African theologians

As the first non-white person to ever seriously contend for the office of president of the United States, Barack Obama exemplifies the rising political fortunes of African Americans. This newfound influence is not only being felt on the political front; there is also a growing presence in the theological world. Africentric Christianity is flexing its muscle with increasing confidence.

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Musical Routes by D.S. Martin

Vol. 22, No. 11

Long awaited album projects ominous future

T Bone Burnett took a 14-year hiatus between projects before releasing his 2006 CD, The True False Identity, and now he’s back with another new album. The gap was due to his demand as a producer of movie music (O Brother Where Art Thou, Cold Mountain, Walk The Line, etc.).

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Artspace by Jenna Smith

Vol. 22, No. 10

Lynn McIlvride Evans: portrait of an artist

You can make art on just about anything these days—egg shells for instance. Uxbridge, Ontario artist Lynne McIlvride Evans’ latest collection of portraits grace the shells, featuring the face of her friend and colleague Francis Muscat.

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Wise Reader by David Daniels

Vol. 22, No. 09

Debunking a "Calvin against the Calvinists" theology

“Calvinism is making a comeback—and it is shaking up the church,” says Colin Hansen, editor-at-large with Christianity Today. The growing fascination with reformed theology is attracting a younger generation of evangelicals now taking their place in various ministry roles.

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Musical Routes by D.S. Martin

Vol. 22, No. 08

Two new albums that bust out of the groove

NEWWORLDSON—SALVATION STATION Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Newworldson is a unique quartet that’s getting a lot of attention on both sides of the border—and a lot of attention in both Christian and secular circles.

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Artspace by Jenna Smith

Vol. 22, No. 07

Grow a seed. Make some art. Change the world.

It’s summer time. If you’re looking for an activity to do with the kids or just by yourself, might I suggest the Seed Project? You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate this project, but if you appreciate the arts, it’ll help.

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Wise Reader by David Daniels

Vol. 22, No. 06

Solid commentaries vital to biblical understanding

Christian bloggers, journalists, authors, pastors and theologians lament the biblical illiteracy of Christians today. Whether or not biblical illiteracy is at its lowest point in Christian history, I cannot say, but there seems to be ample evidence supporting the idea that today’s Christians are far less biblically informed than they ought to be.

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Musical Routes by D.S. Martin

Vol. 22, No. 05

Album has less preaching, more meditative praise

Slide Lianna Klassen's latest CD, The Guest, into your player, and you're in for a richly-textured musical experience. The opening song, “Laudate Dominum” (Bless the Lord), begins with a low hum that rumbles from the depths of your speakers and the undulations of a distinctly Celtic whistle as Klassen's fluttering voice repeats these Latin words in an Arabian-sounding chant. It creates a mysterious sense of spiritual yearning reminiscent of ancient monasteries and desert mysticism.

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Artspace by Jenna Smith

Vol. 22, No. 04

Bill C-10: when art offends

It's pretty amazing that one small sentence could create a hullaballoo within the art world, but when art and politics collide, it tends to be messy business.

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Wise Reader by David Daniels

Vol. 22, No. 03

Ask for substantial Christian writing

If you care about the ongoing availability of solid Christian books, you may want to read the cover story, “How to Save the Christian Bookstore” in the April 2008 issue of Christianity Today magazine. Cindy Crosby, a former Christian bookstore owner, describes the “roller coaster ride” Christian retail has taken over the last 20 years.

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Musical Routes by D.S. Martin

Vol. 22, No. 02

Over the Rhine equally at home in church or bar

Over The Rhine, the husband and wife team of Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist, have been doing things their own way since the release of their first album Till We Have Faces in 1991. Just try to slide their latest release, The Trumpet Child, into a category and you'll find yourself stalling.

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Artspace by Jenna Smith

Vol. 22, No. 01

Nudity doesn't scare this Christian artist

The human body is something of a stumbling block for the Christian community. Besides its obvious link to those infamous “sins of the flesh,” much of Christian theology has for centuries attributed far more importance to the soul and the mind than it has to the body, thus creating something of a divide between the spiritual and the material.

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Wise Reader by David Daniels

Vol. 21, No. 25

Something for every reader

Wise is the person who recognizes the value of drawing upon the experience and learning of others. As the biblical wisdom writers said: “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success” (Proverbs 15:22 NLT). Here are a few resources which leaders will find helpful in their daily journey.

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Musical Routes by D.S. Martin

Vol. 21, No. 24

Orchestral performance lifts Bell to new heights

In November I had the good fortune to experience a unique concert: Steve Bell performing with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. The mood was quite different from the more intimate performances Steve usually gives, because every song seemed to rise to a gigantic stature. The concert was in support of Bell's new CD, Symphony Sessions, recorded with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

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Artspace by Jenna Smith

Vol. 21, No. 23

Confessions of a French film star

Let's talk French cinema, or at least one of French cinema's biggest stars: Gerard Depardieu.

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Book Review by Warren Schatz

Vol. 21, No. 22

An atheist goes to church

This book will certainly attract criticism. Critics will shout that “church worship is not directed towards atheists” and others will ask “how can an atheist can tell us how to worship God?”

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Musical Routes by D.S. Martin

Vol. 21, No. 21

Brooks knows the blues

Unfortunately, it’s not surprising if you don’t know Danny Brooks. He’s been kicking around little venues, flying under the radar of the Canadian music business for years. And, as is so often the case with blues musicians, he’s been getting better with age. His voice is a bear’s growl poured through a shimmering trumpet; his testimony is one of clear vision and gratitude to our Saviour.

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Film Commentary by Peter Chattaway

Vol. 21, No. 20

The Golden Compass not so magnetic after all

Before it came out in theatres December 7, I used to tell people that I hoped the film version of The Golden Compass would be great—and I hoped it would flop.

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Wise Reader by David  Daniels

Vol. 21, No. 19

Author investigates humanitarian gift-giving catalogues

It is the Friday following the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, and the merchants of Buffalo, New York are dreaming of a “black Friday.” No, they are not referring to a stock market meltdown, but rather to a bonanza in sales (this is reputed to be America’s single biggest shopping day) allowing them to finish the year in the black financially.

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Musical Routes by D. S. Martin

Vol. 21, No. 18

Christmas deserves to be celebrated with song

Even for those who don’t know Christmas like Christians know Christmas, it’s the one time of year celebrated with its own songs.

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