catapult magazine

catapult magazine
 

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Society & Institutions

The 100-Mile Imagination

There's an infinitely interesting relationship between place and imagination. How has our work, art, leisure, storytelling and eating been shaped by the places in which we live--and how have these activities shaped our places? What about our hopes and fears?

Fast Food Nation

Many people and cultures throughout history have demonstrated willingness to privilege efficiency over other values like compassion, curiosity, beauty and stewardship. In what areas of our lives today is the “fast food” mentality most prevalent? What could convince us to slow down and savor the moment?

Fully Furnished

Whether we have a basement full of old chairs and sofas waiting to be reupholstered or just a stump around the campfire, we all live in relationship to furniture.  Each piece tells a story of personal and cultural history. Gather round this issue, where our contributors will tell some of their favorite furniture stories.

The Good Life

Whether we're ten years old or eighty, we all make choices for ourselves based on a vision of the good life, however articulated or unconscious that vision might be.  What has shaped our visions of the good life, both individually and collectively?

Planted

"Invest in the millennium.  Plant sequoias," writes the mad farmer Wendell Berry in his manifesto.  Planting things, sequoias or otherwise, is a sign of rootedness and hope.  In this spring season of planning and planting, how are you thinking about rootedness in the coming year?  What are your plans for your garden -- and your place?

Taboo: Sex(uality)

In our churches, in our families, in our neighborhood, in our friend groups, certain topics like - - - - - and - - - - - are off-limits, whether explicitly or implicitly.  Why are we reluctant to discuss - - - - - in these settings and what are the ripple effects?  A follow-up to the general taboo issue to focus specifically on of sex and sexuality.

Taboo

In our churches, in our families, in our neighborhood, in our friend groups, certain topics like - - - - - and - - - - - are off-limits, whether explicitly or implicitly. Why are we reluctant to discuss - - - - - in these settings and what are the ripple effects? (Certain portions of this issue description have been omitted in the interest of remaining - - - - -.)

Living on Less

Throughout much of the world, winter strips away many signs of life and calls us to remember that summer’s abundance does not exist all the time, everywhere, for all people.  By choice or by circumstance, some live on less all year round.  What does simplicity look like in your life?

Tradition 2

While traditions can occur at any time of year, Christmas is a season that focuses this theme.  What particularly meaningful rituals do you observe with family and friends each year, during Christmas or otherwise?  And what about the particularly meaningless ones you perhaps wish would end?

Church

While one mainline pastor refers to his role as hospice for the church, another proclaims that God is blessing his non-denominational mega-church with growing numbers.  Is the church dying or thriving?  What choices have you made about participating (or not) in a worshipping community?