Spring 1986 · Vol. 15 No. 1 · p. 2
From the Editors: Justice and Sexuality
Justice and sexuality dominate this issue. Both are subjects vital to the life of society at large and of the people of God in particular. The Church, however, remains conspicuously silent (with some exceptions) on such areas of life and thought.
Elmer Martens points to the contemporary character of the message of Jeremiah, a message pertinent to both of the major themes of this issue. Attorneys Joby Dupuis and Duane Heffelbower highlight the contributions and limitations of the legal structures of our society and point to the better way of reconciliation and, when necessary, civil disobedience. John Konrad measures the state’s concept of justice, as expressed within the penal system, by biblical norms. And George Shillington explores for us the meaning of the Pauline injunction: “If one of you has a dispute with a fellow Christian, how dare he go before heathen judges instead of letting God’s people settle the matter” (1 Cor. 6:1)?
Dean Kliewer and Irene Loewen, both professional counselors, speak to the subject of the Christian and sexuality. Jean Janzen’s poetry develops this topic as well as the theme of justice with clarity and beauty. To those for whom these articles and poems are too explicit, we say, please reread the Song of Songs and the legislation of Deuteronomy 22-25.
Sociologist Robert Siemens raises some serious objections to the heavy dependence on statistical analysis on which the Church Membership Profile (Direction, fall 1985) rests. Additional responses will be printed in forthcoming issues.
