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Theological Forum

Vol. XXVIII, No. 1 & 2, May 2000

 

Theology and Economics

From the editor

It has often been suggested that the arrival of the third millennium has also introduced a period of unknown economic crisis for humankind and, more specifically, for people of the third world. The misery of unemployment, poverty and many accompanying social problems cannot escape our attention.

The church has always seen it a grave responsibility to reach out to people in need. As Christians we not only have to be informed about current situations, but also to be able to give guidance with regard to solving these issues.

For this edition of Theological Forum the last before the Assembly of the REC in Yogyakarta we have chosen as topic biblical and theological perspectives on economics, and the church's responsibility in this regard. We have articles on some of the most burning current issues: property rights, pastoral care and poverty, the impact of AIDS on business and the economy, and biblical guidelines on labor. We have also been fortunate to solicit an article on aspects of the law of partnership and the usury doctrine by a renown scholar of Law.

During the forthcoming Assembly a new editorial committee will be appointed. A word of appreciation from my side will be in order for those who helped to keep our magazine up during the last four years, and particularly for the staff in our Grand Rapids headquarters.

Pieter Potgieter

Editor