Elements of Faithful Writing

by Jean Janzen

Noted Mennonite poet Jean Janzen reflects on the writing of poetry and literature and the role of authors from a Christian perspective, using guiding metaphors of Mud, Water, Fire, Air, and Text. The result is an evocative tapestry of images, textures, words, and sounds, woven from elements both historical and contemporary. Originally delivered as the Menno Simons lectures at Bethel College in November 2003. "In Elements of Faithful Writing , Janzen seems most at home in the 'mud' - the combination of earth and water that makes the artist’s clay. This is only appropriate for a poet whose most beloved subjects are the body and place. She spends less time on fire and air, returning to earth and a palpable image of text as stone in her final chapter. Here she alludes to a fascination with theology and catechism that has visited her most recent poetic work." - Ann Hostetler in the Mennonite Quarterly Review

63 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

very helpful