Approaching the Divine is a practical handbook on signs and symbols in the Christian tradition, written from a Mennonite perspective. It provides a window into the meaning behind liturgical practices and art forms developed by the church through the ages. It also explores the seasons of the church year and observances related to special “Holy Days” in the Christian tradition. Included is a section on more universal signs and tokens, such as numbers and shapes, and some popular expressions of faith. The last section draws on articles and sermons related to the subject of symbols and rituals in the Christian tradition.

The book is based on a column entitled “Signs and Symbols” that appeared in the magazines Mennonite Reporter and later Canadian Mennonite. That material has been expanded and updated for this book, with an introduction to the meaning of symbols within the life of the church and a bibliography of sources and suggestions for further reading. The book is intended as an easy-to-use resource to help individuals and congregations explore the meanings of worship and its artistic expressions. It is written with the hope that it will inspire a greater appreciation for the richness of the Christian tradition and stimulate thinking about the enrichment of faith and worship.

Margaret Loewen Reimer's profile page

Margaret Loewen Reimer (1947-2019) was a writer and editor in Waterloo, Ontario. She was an editor with a national church periodical, the Mennonite Reporter, and its successor, the Canadian Mennonite. She published in the area of theology and the arts. Reimer graduated from Canadian Mennonite Bible College and the University of Toronto (PhD in English Literature). Her books include One Quilt, Many Pieces: A Guide to Mennonite Groups in Canada (Herald Press, 2008), Mennonites and the Artistic Imagination (Lecture series at Canadian Mennonite Bible College, 1998), and Christians Courageous: Stories for Children from Church History (Mennonite Publishing Service, 1988).