Anthology explores the spiritual identity of Canada

By David Daniels and ChristianWeek | November 1, 2008

One snowy, Winnipeg morning, while walking to the bus, editor Byron Rempel-Burkholder found himself "mulling over the relationship between spirituality and geography." This raised several questions: Did living in Canada affect his Christian identity? In a land of many physical geographies, does Canada have a spiritual geography? Do Canadians have a spiritual identity uniquely our own, or do we simply reflect that of our neighbours to the south?

Sharing these questions with another Winnipeg editor, Dora Dueck, led to brainstorming sessions and breakfast meetings that soon involved ChristianWeek's Doug Koop. Together they conceived an anthology that would accurately reflect the diverse face of Canadian Christianity—"an experiment in identity."

Though an interfaith collection would certainly have reflected the rich diversity of Canadian spirituality, the decision was made early to keep this anthology within the broad mosaic of Canadian Christianity. And so the 46 contributors to Northern Lights reflect church traditions from "evangelical to Catholic, mainline Protestant to Orthodox, Pentecostal to Anabaptist." They include literary figures, religious and public leaders, and activists.

The book opens with John Terpstra's poem, "Thirty Names." In fewer than 300 words he celebrates the kaleidoscope of Canada's land, animals and people. It is a superb beginning, an irresistible call to keep reading. Through poetry, fiction, memoir and meditation, these writers showcase the rich diversity of Canadian Christian spirituality. Whether sailing through a Bay of Fundy fog with Linda Hall ("Celestial Navigation"), or sitting with Maxine Hancock at the bedside of her dying father ("The Day My Father was Born Again, Again"), you will find fresh reminders of a sovereign God who guides the universe while extending grace to His weary children.

When staggering under the weight of God's absence, Peter Short ("Wild Roses") will invite you to stay connected with the Christian community, refusing to adjust to injustice as you live ethically while awaiting God's inevitable reappearance. And while Daniel Coleman ("The Holes in Our Old, Old Stories") sharply reminds us that sometimes we've badly handled things in this great land, Bill Blaikie ("Finding a Prophetic Perspective") shows us how Christians can positively influence public life.

The range of topics covered is as wide as our country, and as diverse as its people. As is the case with any anthology, readers will not find every piece of equal interest. Nor will they appreciate every sentiment expressed—that is certainly true for me. But, as the editors note, "Our aim was not to analyze, define, or argue about Christian identity in Canada. Rather we wanted to explore, express, and showcase it." For my part, they have admirably succeeded in their quest.

When the last page is turned, I suspect readers will come away convinced that the spiritual geography of our Christian community is as vast and beautiful as is the physical geography of this place we call Canada. We must all hope that a second anthology is already in the planning.