Geez is an independent quarterly magazine dealing with issues of spirituality, social justice, religion, and progressive cultural politics. The byline of Geez was "holy mischief in an age of fast faith".[1][2] In 2015 the byline was changed to "contemplative cultural resistance".[3] Geez is based in Detroit and distributes in Canada, the U.S., and abroad.[4]
Geez was founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 2005 by Aiden Enns and Will Braun. Geez looks at religion, spirituality, and politics through the eyes of its readers. Geez is known for its pointed illustrations,[5] graphics and unique combination of satire, critique, social consciousness, and quirkiness.[6] The magazine says it's for "people at the fringes of faith".[7]
History
The founder of Geez magazine, Aiden Enns, originally had the idea of the magazine in 2003 while he was working as managing editor at Adbusters in Vancouver.[8] Enns then moved to Winnipeg and recruited writer and activist Will Braun who came on board as co-editor and co-publisher.[8] The graphic design for the magazine is done by Darryl Brown.[9] Geez has hosted annual sermon contests.[9]
Aiden Enns founded the Buy Nothing Christmas movement.[10][11] He has encouraged participation in the anti-consumerist movement throughout his career at Geez.[12][13][14]
The first issue of Geez was published in Fall 2005 with an initial 500 paying subscribers and no advertising revenue. In the first year, the number of subscribers climbed to 2,000. In 2009, Geez moved its hub from Enns' home to a community-minded church in Winnipeg's inner-city (Knox United Church).
From the beginning, the aim of Geez was to "put the 'geez' into Jesus."[15] A religious magazine for a new generation of Christians and post-Christians, the magazine wanted a short, provocative name that risked offending more conservative readers. Some consider the name blasphemous because it is an expletive derived from the name of Jesus.[16]
In 2019, Geez relocated to Detroit, Michigan.[17][18][19] Aiden Enns stepped down from his position as the editor and Lydia Wylie-Kellermann filled the role.[20] In February 2024, the Geez editorial board announced that the upcoming 73rd issue would be the final one, citing insufficient revenue.[21]
Awards
External links
References
- Tom Sines. Joining the Anabaptist Conspirators -- Activists Found in Four Streams: Emerging, Missional, Mosaic, Monastic Mennonite Church USA, January 8, 2008^
- Holy Mischief in an Age of Fast Faith Geez Magazine, 2006, retrieved May 28, 2013^
- Contemplative Cultural Resistance Geez Magazine, 2014, retrieved May 28, 2013^
- Sarah London. From One Vibrant City to Another The Uniter: Winnipeg's Weekly Journal, University of Winnipeg, February 25, 2021, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Todd Douglas. Blowing Open the Cliches of Evangelical Christians Vancouver Sun, Canada.com, March 31, 2007, retrieved May 28, 2013^
- Brenda Suderman. City Pair's Feisty Publication Nabs 3 Secular Awards Winnipeg Free Press, Geez Magazine, August 2007, retrieved May 21, 2013^
- Steve Marowski. Faith Groups Call on Clergy, Elected Officials to Condemn Protests in Lansing MLive.com, Advance Publications, May 14, 2020, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Scott Sammons. Interview With Will Braun of Geez Magazine The Other Journal, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, June 4, 2007, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Nancy Haught. Geez Magazine Opens Up the People's Pulpit The Oregonian, May 14, 2013, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Chris Sorensen. Have We Hit 'Peak Stuff?' Ikea Says There's Röom to Grow. Maclean's, St. Joseph Communications, January 28, 2016, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Brenda Suderman. Consumption Sabbath: Winnipeg Christians Hit the Streets to Defend the Environment Winnipeg Free Press, FP Canadian Newspapers, April 21, 2012, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- 5 Shopping Challenges to Consider This Holiday Season Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, December 6, 2012, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Buy Nothing Day 2014: Black Friday Anti-Consumerism Backlash Facts and History International Business Times, IBT Media, November 23, 2015, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Jackie Salo. What is Buy Nothing Day 2015? Facts About the Black Friday Anti-Consumerism Protest International Business Times, IBT Media, November 26, 2015, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Gloria Kim. Jesus is Our Homey Maclean's, St. Joseph Communications, January 9, 2006, retrieved June 20, 2013^
- Julia Duin. Magazine Takes Soft-Sell Approach The Washington Times, Operations Holdings, July 5, 2009, retrieved June 20, 2013^
- Nicolien Klassen-Wiebe. Geez Magazine Moves Offices From Winnipeg to Detroit Canadian Mennonite Magazine, February 13, 2019, retrieved March 29, 2019^
- Frank Witsil. Canadian Magazine Turns to Detroit, Millennial Women to Help Save It Detroit Free Press, Gannett, February 9, 2019, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- John Longhurst. Founder Glad Magazine in Good Hands: Geez Moving to Detroit This Year, but New Boss Vows to Honour Its Roots Winnipeg Free Press, FP Canadian Newspapers, January 26, 2019, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Annalise Frank. Canadian activist magazine moves to Detroit Crain's Detroit Business, Crain Communications, February 4, 2019, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- A Letter from the Geez Board Geez Magazine, February 23, 2024, retrieved March 2, 2024^
- Leslie Scrivener. A Faith Magazine for 'The Un-Churchable' Toronto Star, Toronto Star Newspapers, January 7, 2011, retrieved June 20, 2013^
- Stephen J. Ward, Doug Todd. 2008 Award Winners Canadian Church Press, 2008, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Will Braun. Can I Get an 'Amen'? Mega-Sermons in a Hurting World Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, The Christian Post, 2007, retrieved June 20, 2013^
- Aiden Enns. Geez Blushes From Gush of Awards Geez Magazine, May 19, 2009, retrieved June 21, 2013^
- Rachel Barber. Aw Shucks Geez Geez Magazine, May 18, 2011, retrieved June 21, 2013^
- Kathryn Dorrell. Category: General Excellence – Magazine Canadian Church Press, 2012, retrieved June 21, 2013^
- 2020 Best of the Church Press Awards Associated Church Press, April 2021, retrieved January 4, 2022^
- Overall Excellence / Best in Class Associated Church Press, April 2021, retrieved January 4, 2022^