The Sacred Art of Gathering

“May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir―not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it!” ― Paul the Apostle. (Rom 15:5-8 MSG)

This issue of Radix is part two of the theme “The Sacred Art of Gathering.”

Along with some poetry, fiction, book reviews, and essays, we have three interviews:

  • C. Christopher Smith is the editor of The Englewood Review of Books, and shares with us some of his thoughts on the increasing value of silence and listening, the Desert Monastics and the danger of judgment, and why conversation should be thought of as a spiritual discipline;
  • Bradley Jersak, an editor and author as well, tells of his appreciation of humility, empathy and trust-building (especially in how they contribute to Christian harmony); he also offers some pertinent advice on how we all can read better; and
  • Ron Dart, who was in our last issue, speaks about Martin Buber and his understanding of dialogue, relationships, and self-revelation. Also interesting – especially now – is how Ron makes note of Buber’s Israeli-Palestinian connection.

Also, do note that Arther Aghajanian has more podcasts available in Visually Sacred:

  • Stefanie Knauss: Religious Identity in Media
  • Brent Rodriguez-Plate: Technology and Embodiment
  • Gregory Price Grieve: Video Games and Theology

Peace. – M