Our memory is funny thing. Why do we remember events in a certain way and does this memory do the events justice or injustice. Miroslav Volf tackles this subject in The End of Memory, a semi-biographical look at how to remember rightly.
We all have had wrongs committed against us. Whether these have been wrongs of the physical, emotional or countless ways people wrong each other. What we do with these wrongs will determine how healthy we live. Not that all wrongs are the same, but how does one integrate these wrongs to our larger story or identity. If these wrongs make or define our story will evidently have a negative effect on our lives.
One question do all our experiences or memory needed to be integrated into our life as being meaningful. Volf states that this is clearly an axiom during the 20th & 21st century, but is this possible. He goes on to state that not all experiences can be successfully integrated into having profound meaning and that we need to consciously forget events.
My thought was how often do we remember events dishonestly or unjustly. What I mean by that is do we demonize the other person's action and remember our actions innocently?
Volf's ideas are still floating around, but he does put forth a systematic and broad proposal of how to remember. In closing Volf attempts to integrate all our memory to the after life and how we will be reconciled to everyone. What role will our memory play in those mysterious and hopeful days.
It is refreshing to read as Volf attempts to struggle with this profound question and look to any and all discussion of the question in a distinctly christian manner.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Thoughts on Organic food
Well the world is in definitely in a 'Green stage.' Obviously this green and environmentally friendly movement can be co-opted by consumerism and greed like many other good and fruitful endeavors. However, the main thrust of the movement is live in harmony with the world and that is an endeavor I think we all can join.
Recently I checked out an organic market. Every since Trisha and I attempted the 100 mile diet last fall we have been looking for ways to live in a connected way with our food. The farmer's market in St. Norbert was a great way to connect with the producers of the food we eat. My thought was that the organic marker could be our permanent home for food during non-farmer's market season. Unfortunately this is not a financial reality due to the prices of all the produce. I know that money is part of the reason for the great divide between producers and consumers of food, but the prices were astronomical (ie $3.50 for a head of lettuce).
I got to thinking what does a producer needs to do to receive the 'certified organic' label and why were the prices so high. I can go to the Canadian Superstore and buy organic bananas that are only two cent/per pound more than non-organic. Recently I was at a local meat shop that only sells Manitoba grown meat, which to me seems like a good think to keep the money local and support local meat producers. When I inquired about if the meat was organic the owner explained that to get the 'organic label' the grandparents needed to be fully organic. This does make sense to a degree, but how much more are we as consumer's willing to pay for 'certified organic' product compared to those merely produced locally and the producer does not see the point of getting the 'certified organic' label.
Personally I think buying locally is a start and for those who can afford the 'certified organic' products be my guest. My last thought is where does this leave the millions of people living in poverty. Where the 'conscious citizens' are buying food at a premium to have the organic label and others can't afford any kind of food. I guess it all comes back to community and the effect our actions have on other. Well just a though
Recently I checked out an organic market. Every since Trisha and I attempted the 100 mile diet last fall we have been looking for ways to live in a connected way with our food. The farmer's market in St. Norbert was a great way to connect with the producers of the food we eat. My thought was that the organic marker could be our permanent home for food during non-farmer's market season. Unfortunately this is not a financial reality due to the prices of all the produce. I know that money is part of the reason for the great divide between producers and consumers of food, but the prices were astronomical (ie $3.50 for a head of lettuce).
I got to thinking what does a producer needs to do to receive the 'certified organic' label and why were the prices so high. I can go to the Canadian Superstore and buy organic bananas that are only two cent/per pound more than non-organic. Recently I was at a local meat shop that only sells Manitoba grown meat, which to me seems like a good think to keep the money local and support local meat producers. When I inquired about if the meat was organic the owner explained that to get the 'organic label' the grandparents needed to be fully organic. This does make sense to a degree, but how much more are we as consumer's willing to pay for 'certified organic' product compared to those merely produced locally and the producer does not see the point of getting the 'certified organic' label.
Personally I think buying locally is a start and for those who can afford the 'certified organic' products be my guest. My last thought is where does this leave the millions of people living in poverty. Where the 'conscious citizens' are buying food at a premium to have the organic label and others can't afford any kind of food. I guess it all comes back to community and the effect our actions have on other. Well just a though
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