The Banner Adds New Online Column

People who read The Banner magazine online will likely notice something new as they surf the site these days.

 “As I Was Saying” is a column created by interim editor Leonard Vander Zee in the hopes of drawing people to the web version of the publication.

Similar to an editorial in style, the column will feature ponderings and points of view from Vander Zee and other contributors.

Topics in recent columns have included the controversy over Starbucks cups,the Reformation, terrorism, doctrine, and worship through a nine-year-old’s eyes.

Because it’s online, says Vander Zee, it’s more flexible. “There is material there that’s not in the print Banner.”

Vander Zee, who was editor-in-chief at Faith Alive Christian Resources and served a number of CRC congregations, hopes to encourage interaction and feedback as well.  “[Having it online] creates a forum where people can respond to and comment on articles,” he says.

As more people become aware of the new column, he anticipates a growing variety of opinions and interactions as people respond to “As I Was Saying” and other pieces.

“We have no problem with people disagreeing – we want to create a dialogue.”

Future themes will include items and topics from the news media and discussions on things happening in the Christian Reformed Church, such as the report coming out on same-sex marriage.

As Vander Zee travels to Christian Reformed churches in various parts of North America, he will describe some of his experiences in a subsection of the column, labeled “On the Ground.”

“As I Was Saying” is not the only online difference; it reflects other sections, where longer versions of stories and articles are placed online than there is room for in the print Banner.  “We hope to entice people to check out the website,” he says.

You can read the column at http://thebanner.org/, or have it sent to your inbox by clicking on “email signup.”