Editorial: Looking for Compassion

This is the second issue of The Turning Magazine, and based on the letters we've been receiving, it's probably time to reiterate what we're trying to do here. The Turning is a skeptical, critical look at Christianity, by and for new Christians. Like many new Christians, we have chosen Christianity, rather than inherited it as part of a family tradition. So, we come to the faith with questions. This magazine is part of our journey as we try discover what this religion has to offer.

Specifically, we are troubled by the apparent conflict between Christ's message of love for all, and the continuing stream of intolerance and judgmentalism exhibited by many ( certainly not all) practicing Christians. Is this intolerance rooted in the Bible and/or key ideas of Christianity, and unlikely to ever go away? Or, are these negative currents misunderstandings of Christianity?

In this issue, we address these questions on many different fronts at once. The outcry over same-sex marriage in the United States and Canada claims to have Biblical support. To find out whether this is true, we interviewed Dr Reverend Cheri DiNovo. We asked her about each of the passages in the Bible which has been used to 'prove' that the Bible condemns homosexuality. Dr DiNovo's interpretation of these passages is certain to be a real eye-opener for Christians on both sides of the issue. To read the article, click here.

We also take a close look at the Christian position regarding war. We feature an interview with Dr Miroslav Volf, the acclaimed Yale theologian. Dr Volf discusses whether hatred and violence can ever be part of a Christian approach to politics, with surprising answers. Dr Volf's close reading of the New Testament takes him far away from the position held by Biblical literalists who have been in support of the war in Iraq. To read the article, click here.

This issue also asks what kind of prayer Christians should use. The answer seems obvious - hands clasped together, we should silently talk to God. However, for many people, this form of prayer leaves something to be desired - it often seems like we are talking to ourselves. For those who yearn for a sense of the divine presence, meditation has often been the preferred route, yet this tradition is foreign to Christianity. But it doesn't have to be. We spoke with Glenda Meakin, a former Anglican priest, who is now a teacher of Christian meditation. She explains that meditation was once a key part of the Christian tradition, and encourages an experience of God which goes beyond words, encouraging an appreciation for God's infinite nature. Meakin is helping bring this ancient Christian practice back to the faith. To read the article, click here.

The issue also includes opinion pieces on the effects of television on the brain and spirit, as well as an impassioned plea for bringing science back into religion. Be sure to also check out our letters to the editor section, where our readers debate the merits of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ film, which was reviewed in our last issue.

We hope that our journey helps you in yours. Please feel free to write to us, and if you would like to submit an article or interview, we're happy to consider submissions.

Peace.

The Editors

 

 

 

 

Volume 1, #2

Summer, 2004