*culture is not optional

Unto us

by Joe Lapp

Stories from personal and family history, told through the art of two manger scenes.

Mouthwash, midnight and a monologue

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

Looking back at a mile marker on a journey toward greater freedom.

Late night thoughts on incarnation

by Reverend Lawrence W. Farris

What does it mean to be fully human?

Angels don't kiss

by Ellyn Wilkoff

Claiming what distinguishes us from angels may involve reclaiming the "holy kiss."

Thoughts on "Mythopoeia" and Henri Nouwen

by Allison Backous

Reflections on the meaning of myth, of story and of coming home.

Open arms

by Denise Frame Harlan

Thoughts on the process of learning to touch and be touched.

Imagine a world

by Neil E. Das

A review of The Children of Men by P. D. James.

Born in a barn

by Christopher Nonhof

A review of Debbie Blue's collection of sermons titled Sensual Orthdoxy.

Universal language

by Grant Elgersma

Pedro Almodóvar returns to an enduring fascination Volver.

Madonna and Child--Boundless Love

by Janet McKenzie

Christmas Acrostic

by Neil E. Das

Reflecting on the incarnation

by Ada Jaarsma

An exploration of the interplay among language, the body and the incarnation.

The healing power of touch

by Brianne Donaldson

A muscle therapist learns the power of physical touch?or not touching?in the struggle between life and death.

The purpose of sex

by Janel Kragt Bakker

On the unitive, procreative and recreational functions of sex.

Yoga: A New Christian Practice

ELCA Cafe

Megan Jones explores the potential of yoga for connecting the body and spirit.

Nuts

Orion Magazine

John Price writes about the places the mind wanders when the body rebels and won't reproduce.