Issue 80

Editorial

By Ellen Wakeham

Welcome to Christis — especially to anyone who is reading the magazine for the first time. This is a great project to get involved in, and we would love to see you! Our meetings are open, and it is here that we discuss Christis and bring it together. If you are a thinker, writer, poet, cartoonist, photographer, artist, interested in layout and design … or even just in seeing what we do, please come along. You can be involved simply by reading Christis and responding; please write us a letter or send in an article. If you become a member you have the advantage of receiving a copy of each issue of the year in your pigeon-hole, and this is important because our copies disappear very quickly! Come and see us at Freshers’ Fair to have a chat, become a member, or sign up for our workshop, which will take place on Wednesday Week 3 at 1.15 pm in D/112. This is for anyone interested in the editing or technical processes of producing the magazine. If you sign up it would help as we’d know how many to expect, but if not, please do just turn up.

Christis is also a good way of reminding yourself that life does in fact exist beyond campus. This time last year, we were reeling from the 11th September attacks and facing the prospect of a war with Afghanistan. As I write, we are again in a political situation which looks likely to lead to war. From this perspective it is very difficult to know or understand what the issues really are, or what the right solution may be. We do know, however, that we can pray. We can pray that this country will take the course of action it believes to be appropriate, for right reasons not for the sake of political alliances. We can pray that true justice and peace may prevail for all people, not just those in the privileged countries. Paul writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Enjoy Freshers’ Week (however long you’ve been here!), but please don’t get cocooned in the mania of campus, and forget that we live in a suffering world which needs our attention and our prayer.

Much love,
Ellen Wakeham
Beanbag

Below is an outline of Christis. It is not a formal constitution, but a collection of thoughts and wisdom I have gleaned from former Beanbags (in particular Matt and Ian). If you would like to comment on anything I have written, please write to us!

Christis is a Christian society and magazine. It is desirable that there is no test of faith for membership, and that all voices are able to join in the discussion of Christianity that Christis encourages. The essential focus of Christis is on Christianity and its vision of God in Jesus Christ, and the role of Christians in the wider world. We welcome material based on social, political, religious, cultural and personal issues, provoking discussion within Christianity and beyond it.

Christis is an open and honest society. All should feel able to help out and lend ideas to the work of the magazine. Our committee post-holders are responsible for making sure the society operates and the magazine is produced, but they are always accountable to the Christis meetings.

Christis is a media society. We hope through high standards of writing and presentation to achieve credibility and respect for Christian discussions and issues, among all the groups with whom the magazine and society come into contact — whether Christian or not.

Contents

God of Laughter?

Tara Cooke asks; “Does God have a sense of humour?”

Are conservation and Christianity incompatible?

Biologist, Fiona Worthy, discusses some Christians’ apathy towards conservation.

The Thinker

Why Ducks?

Charismatic … or just confused?

Chris Coles gives us an introduction to the Holy Spirit here.

Message from Jerusalem

Andrew Dennison shares his response to a talk given by The Right Revd Riah Abu El-Assal, Anglican Bishop of Jerusalem.

The Good Church Guide

Letters Page

Your chance to tell us what you think of previous issues and articles.

Freshers’ Week Calendar

The low down on where to find Christian events in a week full of confusion!

Declaration of aims:

Christis magazine, while having a Christian basis, is open to those of any faith or none. We welcome articles on social, political, religious, cultural and personal issues, provoking discussion within Christianity and beyond it.

Created with the help of the following people:

Hepsie Attwood
Rachel Barlow
Hilary Blake
Rachel Cavill
Chris Charlton
Johnny Clifton
Chris Coles
Tara Cooke
Andrew Dennison
Andrew Dyer
Susie Flint
Kirsteen Goodlass
Cat Griffin
Kate Harper
Paul Harford
Matt Horner

Mark Howard
Rob Hudson
Hannah Kidd
Liz Luka
Dave Maclure
Rob Marchant
Mark Minichiello
Becky Morris
Ian Miller
Michael Puljic
Elizabeth Thompson
Tom Saddington
Ellen Wakeham
Ian Walden
Fiona Worthy
Chris Wright

Disclaimer:

The views contained in Christis are not necessarily the views of the Committee, neither are they all necessarily from a Christian viewpoint. If you have any doubts or concerns about anything you read in here, please email us at editor@christis.org.uk or drop a note in our societies pigeonhole in the SU building.