Life in the Vortex 2026/07-08

From this issue's contents: * I Saw Something from Elsewhere (an interview with Aleš Novák) What happens when faith, art, and the longing for truth intersect in one life? Aleš Novák invites us into his world of paintings, sculptures, and music, revealing why, for him, creation is not just a craft but a journey to uncovering God's traces in the world around us. Can even non-believing artists create “God's art” and Christians kitsch? How is hopelessness reflected in contemporary art? And how does he sometimes incorporate humour into his installations? The artist and architect, who lives an almost ascetic life in a gamekeeper's lodge near Liberec, talks about all this and his work with students in an interview. * theme: Beauty, Creativity, Faith Is beauty just an aesthetic experience, or does it invite us to something deeper? What if art is not merely an accessory to faith, but one of its most powerful voices? The theme raises questions about how beauty can lead to God, why artists are sometimes misunderstood in the church, and what space we actually give them. Pavel Plchot, Ted Turnau, and Jiřina Gina Čunková ponder these questions. Where is the line between true worship and emotion or manipulation? Ivan Růžička seeks the answer. Josh Maze talks about worship, the connection between professionalism and anointing, and discipline in faith in an interview. Klára Černá speaks about dance as authentic prayer. + Freedman, Slave, Serf – our standing before God through the eyes of various biblical translations (T. Dittrich) + We Need a Little Discomfort – the benefit of challenging moments and uncomfortable situations (P. Kučera) + Was the Darkness Lit Up? – a report from an evangelistic campaign in ten Czech cities (L. Vlasáková) + In Church Thanks to Lego – What do the colourful bricks have in common with the gospel? (L. Vlasáková) + readers' stories – about an unexpected pregnancy and postpartum trauma, or about lost keys + On Mount Bez – a summer short story about returning to a childhood place (J. Klaban) + The Lord Provided a Great Fish – Do we sometimes need to be “thrown overboard” like Jonah? (D. Novák) + Being a Leader and Staying Healthy – how not to burn out in ministry, following Elijah's example (D. Patty) + How to Choose the Right Partner? – why our brains sometimes switch off during an important life choice (J. Güttner) + A Mosaic of Poverty and Wealth – Tanzanian reality full of contrasts (M. Krchňák) + He Even Gave Away His Own Clothes – the moving life of J. M. Scriven, author of one of the most widespread Christian hymns