Fuzzy nostalgia is probably not the best way to start an article about anything. But I'll break the rules for this one.

I have been involved in Christis on and off since issues numbering in the late 60s. A few articles, a stint on committee and a hand in designing the present logo are what I have to show for my efforts. Those fun-filled heady days of the early 2000s when Christis was just some paper stapled together, no glossy cover and no website, seem like a bygone era. In future years when Christis celebrates its 1000th issue (which will be streamed directly to subscribers' portable handheld laptop/studio/phone/car) all will marvel at the primitive technologies that were used to produce the illustrious publication at a time like this.

Thinking about Christis gives me memories both glowing and gloomy. Genuinely interesting articles, fascinating discussions that were thrashed out over the letters pages of several issues, good friends and the satisfaction of completing editions are mingled with some mind-numbingly dull committee discussions over seemingly trivial matters, cold days traipsing around York taking pictures of churches and the inevitable publication of poorly argued articles (and I include my own work in this) because of a lack of material. Was it all worth it? And, perhaps more importantly, does the effort have any positive outcomes? In short, we can ask: Christis - what is it good for? Here are some possible answers:

1) Christis allows individuals to develop critical skills in discussing broadly religious themes

York University is one of the few top universities with no theological department. Christis fills an important gap where ideas within and concerning the Christian faith can be expressed in an open forum.

Also, for those interested in a future (professional or otherwise) in communications, journalism, media work or publishing, particularly within the religious field, Christis is a massive leg up in that direction. This has been the case for me, as I have been able to develop and hone communication skills (albeit with much still to learn) and contribute to other publications within the UK off the back of experience at Christis. I know of an ex-Christis chair that left York to work in communications at Tearfund. A close friend and regular contributor went onto do post-graduate work elsewhere off the back of ideas she first expressed in the pages of Christis. I once coincidentally bumped into a founding member of Christis at an event at Bishopthorpe Palace. This individual now occupies a strategic position in the Church of England with responsibilities for youth in the North East.

2) Christis invites dialogue which is difficult at times, but often rewarding

As an Evangelical Christian with a Free Church up bringing, I came to university with a lot of very clear ideas about theology and church. I still retain many of these ideas, although undoubtedly my thinking has changed on certain issues. For people such as myself, open dialogue with others who have differing views about a host of secondary issues on Christian practice and teaching, let alone on the central tenants of faith, is a painful and discomforting process. Perhaps the biggest lesson Christis has taught me is that this sparring is often very rewarding.

It is rewarding because I learn about the positions of other people which are born out of real life situations, diffi culties and histories, and not just dogmatic creedal allegiance. This is a form of loving my neighbour as myself. It is rewarding because I see engagement with a variety of beliefs modelled in the Bible, no less than in the example of the apostle Paul (Acts 17, for example). It is rewarding because it causes me to question my own assumptions. This often strengthens my resolve and reasoning for why I have the beliefs that I do.

John Paul Lederach, a Mennonite Christian peacemaker and mediator, has written a very insightful book called The Journey toward Reconciliation, which is available to loan at the University Library. Surprisingly, given his background, he advocates for certain kinds of confl ict in our relationships. In one section he satirises common Christian practice which avoids conflict in favour of gossiping with those we already agree with. This is cowardice and pride. Confronting issues passionately, opening up ourselves and inviting (sometimes hostile) responses seems more in keeping with the general sweep of Scripture. More specifi cally, this is how to build genuine community that is not surface deep, and it is closer to the kind of direct action Christ teaches should be normal church practice (see, for example, Matthew 18: 15-17).

3) Christis has the potential to teach us more about Jesus Christ

Ideally, and donning my shiniest rose-tinted spectacles, I would love to think that Christis leads us all into a fuller knowledge and deeper understanding of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Sadly, I don't think Christis always attains to this highest calling. Sometimes, however, it does - a new angle, a fresh glimpse, an open window, an awakened memory jumps out from the pages and causes us to ponder the miracles and paradoxes of the Christian faith. With this in mind, I'd like to underscore again the point I made in an article I wrote back in issue 71:

This magazine is called Christis. Its name suggests that those who contribute to its pages are making statements on what or who Christ is. Let us never take that task lightly.

So, Christis - what is it good for? Potentially, lots of things. Please be upstanding and raise your glasses to the next hundred.