Taking Shape – Letter from the Editor

In the attention economy wealth is measured in eyeballs. Power and possessions naturally accrue to whoever can wield influence best, directing their audience’s attention to whatever venture, scheme, or reality they please. As citizens of this world it can often feel like we’re objects caught in a tug-of-war among forces only dimly visible behind the lights and glamour. As Christians we know that there is indeed unseen conflict going on around us, and a much more consequential one than is playing out on news tickers, TikTok, or the New York Times podcast feed.

However, whether we imagine that spiritual battle with the sinister humour of C. S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters or the tactical flair of Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness, the Bible makes clear that we are not mere passive subjects. We hear that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, and are encouraged to exercise our resurrected will, filling our attention with whatever is excellent or praiseworthy. These actions are not too small to matter.

I think that Christian artists have a particular role within the prophetic calling of all Christians, to draw the attention of each other and our community to things God would have us see. The contributors to this year’s issue of Imprint prompt us to consider what is happening in front of our eyes, even as our modern distractions hinder us from looking with appreciation or listening to each other’s stories with care. How might we change our lives by shifting our attention? Their creative work says hard things; it invites us to play, reflect, and absorb beauty. The result is an issue that strives to be worthy of our readers’ attention and to give wealth in return, rather than take it.

On a personal note, next year I will be stepping back from the responsibility of Lead Editor for Imprint. It has been a privilege and a responsibility to lead this remarkable project through four issues now, from Beyond (#10), through Roots & Branches (#11) and Turn & Return (#12), now to Taking Shape (#13). Every year I have wondered how we could ever repeat the feat of assembling another beautiful, courageous issue—and every year a new and old set of contributors have stepped forward to make an excellent and praiseworthy thing. Many people have done more than they realize. The labour of editing and organizing has been much lightened by the people I’ve met along the way, including but certainly not limited to co-labourers Caitlin Condit, Sharon Lam, John Mani, Jen Michel, Alvin Ng, Karlo Matt Rian Ong, Katy Togeretz, and Tammy Storey. Thank you. 

Over the last few issues we have published a number of pieces not yet available on our website, and I plan to devote my more limited efforts over the coming year to publishing these online at imprintmagazine.ca. If you or anyone you know is interested in taking an active role in visioning and producing the next chapter for Imprint, please get in touch.

In the meantime, you are holding in your hands an issue worth celebrating! Special thanks go to our advance readers for their thoughtful critique and encouragement to contributors in the early stages of writing. Warm thanks are also due to our supporting communities at Grace Toronto Church, The Vine Presbyterian Church, and Christ Church Toronto. Finally, deep appreciation to our subscribers on Patreon, whose committed support made this issue of Imprint possible.

– Joel