Christine Young is serving as a Good Faith Media Ernest C. Hynds Jr. Intern for the fall 2022 semester. She is a recent graduate of York University in Toronto, Ontario. Her current work in human rights strives to defend equity at home and overseas.
1. What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced / shaped your life?
Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
I really appreciate the themes of patience and trust in this verse. I think everyone goes through moments that are uncomfortable or troubling, and any reminder to zoom out and to look at the big picture can be just the thing to shake off the dust and try again.
Similar concepts about duality and an unknowable quality to the universe also exist in Eastern philosophy, which I find wonderful because it means there are so many paths to the same message.
2. Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
One of my Canadian heroes is the astronaut Chris Hadfield. I’ve always found space exploration inspiring in terms of the dedication to science and reaching new frontiers. Hearing him speak in person and perform the song “Space Oddity” was a very memorable moment.
I’m also extremely grateful to the teachers and professors I encountered throughout my academic journey. Specifically, my eighth grade homeroom teacher and my final year finance professor in university. I aspire towards their capacity to care and listen and nurture.
3. List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
Movies directed by Christopher Nolan or Guy Ritchie. The former because his productions are always so epic, with amazing, soaring soundtracks composed by Hans Zimmer and the latter for fast-paced comedic dialogue and endless zany characters.
4. What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
It seems like there are so many issues in present day that need advocacy and education! Off the top of my head, I would say climate change and sustainability, socioeconomic inequality and radicalized political views.
Something that worries me is a lack of access or inclination to find trusted sources for information on current events, and how this can lead to erosion in empathy and understanding. Democracy is not a spectator sport!
5. What are a few of your hobbies?
I love cycling. It’s great exercise, a wonderful way to explore your city or even abroad and helps out the environment! Completing a triathlon one day is a bucket list goal of mine.
6. If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
I’ve been the happiest when exploring new places with friends or family. I’d choose 10 seconds of sharing laughter or a snippet of conversation that leaves you feeling warm and whole and utterly content.
7. Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell”?
I think “more to tell” can mean giving a voice to groups that have traditionally been underrepresented or silenced. Unconscious bias is something that affects all of us, and one way to combat that is to engage with diverse viewpoints. “More to tell” reminds me that each person’s experience in the world is shaped by their previous encounters and interactions, and that can be very different from my own.
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Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
