In my last editor’s note I wrote: ‟The entire Bible carries a strong note of humor. The Christian Church today takes itself too seriously—and God not seriously enough. It would be stronger if it cultivated a deeper sense of humor.” Unfortunately, the italicized sentence was omitted, and the resulting nonsense placed the editor in the awkward position of trying to improve on the Bible. I must now practice what I preach by not taking myself too seriously.
This issue of CHRISTIANITY TODAY brings several thoughtful articles that probe matters of concern to evangelicals. As the twentieth century draws to a close, the Church must face an awesome array of acute ethical problems. For the preceding century, doctrinal issues of fundamental importance tore the church apart. The coming decades will shift the focus of the Church to ethical issues, and the result may prove even more devastating. Humans love to tinker. But when man tinkers with himself, he must first answer hard questions like those raised by Ellison in his article, “Human Engineering” (see page 14).
