Editorial -- By: Alva J. McClain

Journal: Grace Journal
Volume: GJ 01:1 (Spring 1960)
Article: Editorial
Author: Alva J. McClain


Editorial

Alva J. McClain

President and Professor of Christian Theology
Grace Theological Seminary

With this issue the Grace Journal makes its bow to the public as a publication of Grace Theological Seminary, with the Alumni Association cooperating financially in the inauguration of the venture. It is intended primarily to serve a growing constituency of alumni, pastors, missionaries, and churches from which chiefly Grace Theological Seminary derives its support. Hence, it is expected to become a medium of expression of and for this constituency. However, the editors purpose to invite contributions from circles beyond the above mentioned groups; and they trust that the Journal will likewise reach a circle of subscribers and readers outside its own immediate constituency.

In its content, the Grace Journal will present: first, exegetical and expositional studies in the Holy Scriptures; second, articles dealing with fields of theological and historical interest; third, discussions of practical matters which concern the Christian life and work; fourth, surveys of contemporary trends in theology and religion; and, fifth, reviews of books and magazine articles which have value and/or significance.

As to literary policy, the editors purpose to present scholarly material which will exhibit accuracy, critical acumen, and thoroughness. Moreover, they believe that the literary expression of genuine scholarship can and should be clear, not obscure and confusing to the reader; that depth and clarity are not inconsistent ideals. They also feel that even the most profound truths of Biblical Theology can be presented in literary forms which will attract the interest of intelligent readers. Dullness and obscurity ought to be regarded as capital sins in the production of theological literature. Although it is inevitable for investigators in any specialized field of research to build up their own technical terminology, nevertheless they have a solemn obligation to communicate their findings to others. And the Christian theologian, of all men, should be sensitive to this obligation. For in this respect, he is debtor to all.

In their approach to the Bible, the editors hold that these writings of the Old and New Testament are the very Word of God written, verbally inspired of God, and therefore perfect and inerrant in their original literary form. Furthermore, this Word of God is “living and powerful”—the divine “discerner (kritikos) of the thoughts and the intents of the heart” (Heb 4:12). Hence, The Bible can not be treated merely as one of the many legitimate areas for human investigation; but, more than that, this living Word is the judge and critic of everyth...

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