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.

Dr. Margaret Loewen Reimer (1947-2019) was an editor and educator, author of One Quilt, Many Pieces: A Reference Guide to Mennonite Groups in Canada and the lectures collected in Mennonites and the Artistic Imagination. She earned a PhD in English from University of Toronto. She lived in Waterloo and for many years wrote for and edited The Mennonite Reporter, later Canadian Mennonite magazine.

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