Readers write: May 30, 2022 issue

Creation-care article praised by reader
Re: “ ‘All of a sudden there’s buds on the trees,’ ” May 2, page 16.

This insightful article reveals a truth that has become increasingly recognized over the past years—that time spent outdoors improves learning by increasing the ability to be attentive and stay on task.

This is particularly important at a time when increasing numbers of children and youth are diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder and are placed on stimulant medications.

Being active in nature can be a wholesome form of “attention-restoration therapy,” which improves health on many levels. Power to earthkeepers!
—Paul Thiessen, Vancouver

Reader appreciates ‘excellent food for thought’ in Canadian Mennonite
Re: “Reflection on Ukraine” column, May 2, page 9.

Canadian Mennonite always has excellent food for thought, often of many flavours. May 2 was no exception.

In particular, it was easy for me to identify with Arlyn Friesen Epp’s well-written column. Besides sharing some of the cultural and historical tensions that must be common in the minds of many Mennonites, particularly those of us who are already somewhat older, he offered some suggestions which, if put to use, might just make our Christ-light shine a little brighter for others to see. I appreciated that.
—Eric Unger, Winnipeg

‘Identity politics’ further ‘societal polarization’
Re: “Reader objects to terms used in Canadian Mennonite” letter, April 18, page 8.

I agree with letter-writer Kevin McCabe and would add that terms like “settler” are meaningless in the 21st century.

Neither my father and mother, grandfather and grandmother, great-grandfather and great-grandmother ever did any “settler” activities.

My perception is that these terms are used as political tools to further societal polarization using “identity” politics. If that’s not the intent, it is the result.
—Stephen Kennel (online comment)