Why this blog?

"It is time to awaken to the fact that conformity to a sick society is to be sick." - Richard J. Foster

I think sometimes people don't realize how easy it is to make certain switches. You don't have to support sweat shops to get by. In fact, if you know what to do and where to go, you don't have to support a lot of the systematic exploitation that goes on in this world. You CAN bring about justice now and your choices DO matter! The bigger the movement towards just purchasing gets, the more businesses will cater to it.

To People who are not Christians:

For those of you who are reading this and are interested in ethical consumption but are not Christians yourselves, GOOD FOR YOU! You people are wonderful and a lot of people professing to follow Jesus could learn a thing or two from you. I admire your hearts and your desire to not conform to a sick world. I acknowledge the discust you may feel towards a sick Church and I understand your aversion to it. I would love it if you made your presence known on this blog and helped me out in trying to convey what it means to consume ethically.

To People who are Christians:

A large part of my spiritual journey has been the question, What difference does being a Christian make? One of the conclusions that this question has lead me to is that Christians have a responsibility to promote justice and peace for everyone in the way they conduct their lives. As city-dwelling North Americans whose role in the world is largely defined by the term "consumers," this responsibility directly effects the products Christians in Waterloo consume. Sometimes that means getting a little bit creative in your consumption practices. That is where this blog comes in.

Without getting into it too much, some excellent resources on why Christians should pursue bringing about a more peaceful and just world include:

1) The Bible (particularly the Law, the warnings of pre-Exilic prophets, Ruth, the Gospels and the book of James... but its all good.)

2) The Politics of Jesus - John Howard Yoder

3) Shalom: The Bible's Word for Salvation, Justice and Peace - Perry B. Yoder

4) Celebration of Discipline - Richard J. Foster (particularly the chapter on Simplicity)

To everyone:

Thanks for reading this! I would love your feedback in the comments section.