catapult magazine

vol. 8, num. 24 :: 2009.12.11 — 2009.12.24

‘Tis the season for family gatherings. For some of us, these times are comfortable homecomings we anticipate with joy. For others, these times are dreaded obligations filled with misunderstandings and occasional explosions. What contributes to your sense of (dis)harmony in your family?

Feature

A piece of that holiday pie

by Jessica Groen

On a tradition that binds what's past, even as it teaches for the future.

Editorial

A peaceable feast

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

Navigating family culinary traditions around the holidays with grace and vision.

Articles

A wonderful life

by Ginny Heidel

On family rituals as occasions to pass down heirloom memories of joy and sorrow.

Reviews

Fixing the toilet in the ivory tower

by Jeffrey Bouman

A review of the book Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work by Matthew B. Crawford.

Explosive application

by Bill Perkins

A review of the new film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel The Road -- and a wake-up call to Christians who dare to discern.

In case you missed it the first time

Choice cuisine

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

What does it mean to truly ?eat well??

A Christmas reflection on an extraordinary life

by Neil E. Das

A time of year when families traditionally gathers prompts thoughts about a mother’s identity.

Weaving the web

Go Ask Your Father

This American Life

In this episode, sons and daughters get to find out the one thing they've always wanted to know about their father. The answers aren't always what they hope for.

Slot-Machine God

Killing the Buddha

Donald Miller reflects on making God in an earthly father’s image.

A review of The Savages

Looking Closer

Flashing back with Jeffrey Overstreet to a 2007 film that explores complicated family relationships.

Columns

Clutching Dust and Stars

by Laryn Kragt Bakker

Chapter Five: Mommy, What Were Trees Like? - from the newly published novel by Laryn Kragt Bakker (published by *culture is not optional).

Clutching Dust and Stars

by Laryn Kragt Bakker

Chapter Six: Kill Your TV - from the newly published novel by Laryn Kragt Bakker (published by *culture is not optional).

daily asterisk

Even in a country you know by heart
its hard to go the same way twice
the life of the going changes.
The chances change and make a new way.
Any tree or stone or bird
can be the bud of a new direction. The
natural correction is to make intent
of accident. To get back before dark
is the art of going.

Wendell Berry
“Traveling at Home” from Traveling at Home

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