Spring 2024 · Vol. 53 No. 1 · pp. 2–4
From the Editor: CMU Faculty Essays & Reviews
This issue of Direction has no proper theme. Any cohesiveness readers might discern in it will likely emerge from the fact that nearly all contributors are connected to Canadian Mennonite University (CMU). That they all care deeply about the topics they address here is reflected in the careful thought they have given to them, and in their willingness to share their thoughts and conclusions with a wider audience. It is my pleasure to introduce their essays to our readers.
Paul Dyck, professor of English literature, starts things off with a reflection on the place of worship in a Christian university. Drawing on his own experience of worship in numerous settings, Dyck addresses such matters as how to make worship feel welcoming for those of varied religious commitments, the role of worship in bearing witness to a different order of things than the one that peddles consumerist values to us, and its capacity to impart a vivid sense of the presence of God.
Historian Ruth Rempel describes her experience of teaching the history of development in a way that engages students at a deeper level. Her pedagogy also resists approaches to development history that teaches students to raise critical questions but neglects the skills and ethics of arriving at solutions that can make a positive difference.
Theologian Paul Doerksen explores the nature of Christian hope as rooted in God and having an essential eschatological dimension. He also addresses the temptation to despair or to adopt the false hope of presuming to know exactly how our hopes will be realized. A world frustratingly uncontrollable requires an “urgent patience” from us that encourages acting promptly and yet is mindful that the kingdom comes to us as a gift of God’s patience.
Chris K. Huebner looks at what we can still learn from the philosophical interaction between Jewish philosopher Spinoza and some Dutch Mennonites in the seventeenth century. Spinoza is often held up as a pivotal Enlightenment thinker with a penchant for rationalizing religion or anticipating its end. But Huebner presents evidence that Spinoza opposed only superstitious religion, not a religion of devotion that aims to bring one’s life into conformity with God. Spinoza’s Mennonite friends, suggests Huebner, may well have influenced the philosopher in this direction.
Science is sometimes said to be in the business of solving mysteries and eliminating ambiguities and uncertainties. But Candice Harder Viddal, professor of chemistry at CMU, shares her appreciation for the many ways in which the universe continues to reveal new and ever deeper mysteries that keep scientists guessing. Types of uncertainty in physics, quantum {3} theory, the role of speculation in developing a theory, the importance of humility in scientific research are among the subjects she addresses.
Old Testament Bible scholar Pierre Gilbert reads Genesis 3:1–7 as a lesson in religious epistemology: revelation is the beginning of true knowledge of God. Conversely, relying on our subjective inclinations and imaginings will always lead us astray, sometimes with serious consequences.
In his sermon on Romans 15:4–13, professor of Christian spirituality and pastoral ministry Andrew Dyck urges us to practice a hope that is willing to open the door of welcome even to people with whom we have serious disagreements.
Brian Froese, professor of history, contributes a review essay that examines three recent books on dispensationalism, the North American religious movement today best known for its “Left Behind” Christian fantasy novels and films. Two of the three books are histories while the third aims to show its readers (especially pastors) how to interpret the Bible in the post-dispensationalist era.
Professor of political studies and international development studies, Jon Sears, offers a short meditation on praying for peace, even when violence seems to be everywhere and peace, remote and unattainable. He wrote this piece during his time in Mali in 2018.
Book reviews are in their usual place, as is our annual bibliography of scholarly works published in the previous year by faculty from our sponsoring schools.
One final note. This is the last issue to have my name listed as Direction’s general editor. Seventeen years is too long for one person to do this job, even when that person finds much joy in the work as I did. I’m finally letting go. I wish to thank the many individuals who contributed to the journal over these years by writing thoughtful articles, informative book reviews, insightful meditations, and stimulating thought pieces. They include many faculty from our past and present sponsoring institutions: Fresno Pacific University, Fresno Biblical Seminary, Tabor College, MB Seminary (Langley, BC), Columbia Bible College, Bethany Bible College, and Canadian Mennonite University. I’m deeply grateful. I also appreciate those who served on Direction’s editorial council during my tenure as general editor. We dealt with some challenging issues together and I valued their wisdom and moral support.
I’ll also take this opportunity to thank our managing editor, Carson Samson, and graphic designer Sarah Peters. They expertly handled details vital to the production and distribution of the journal and will, I believe, continue that work. Thanks also to Marshall Janzen, our webmaster {4} for twenty-five years, for faithfully posting Direction’s contents on our website.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank Canadian Mennonite University for allowing me to take some of my library director’s time to work on the journal. I would have quit long ago without that generous latitude.
Thankfully, my resignation is not the end of Direction. I’m pleased to announce that Doug Miller, who retired from teaching Old Testament at Tabor College a few years ago, has agreed to be our next general editor. If that name sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because Doug has done this job before, from 1996 to 2007. I know he will bring a new vision to the journal and the energy needed to make Direction a vibrant and informative academic journal for Mennonite Brethren readers and for many outside that fold. I’m looking forward to seeing what he will do. Welcome back, Doug, and God bless you!
