Collecting Our Thoughts
This issue of Vision contains our first anthology. As we entered our fifth year of publication, we reviewed all past issues and realized that a number of articles are timely and timeless and could be grouped together for greater meaning. In addition, new subscribers have never seen many of the contributions collected here. Several themes emerged as the editorial team made its selections.
First was violence, both individual and collective. What makes man such a violent and destructive being? Is there something in our genes that plagues us? Do we fail to control our own natures? Is there another force at work influencing our behavior? The collection on violence gives reason for hope in a belligerent and war-weary world.
Second, of great concern to Vision’s writers is the pressure on the family unit. For newly married couples anxious to make their marriages a success, or young parents desperate to find sensible advice on raising a moral child in a largely immoral world, this important collection provides both warning and encouragement.
The third emphasis is religion and religious practice. The history of traditional Christianity reveals its early departure from the teachings of its founder. Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard said that millions of people through the centuries have “sought little by little to cheat God out of Christianity.” If Jesus Christ returned today, surely He would see no connection between His teaching about the kingdom of God and the state of the kingdom of men. Thankfully, the true way of God still exists, and when practiced it brings extraordinary peace of mind.
In the final section we concentrate on several significant interviews. Vision writers have been privileged to conduct numerous conversations with leading authorities on the world’s tinderbox—the troubled Middle East. Since Vision began publication, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has grown immeasurably worse, much of the world has struggled to understand Islam’s role in the turmoil unleashed after 9/11, and the face of battle may well have changed in ways most couldn’t have imagined a decade ago.
On all of these important subjects, Vision’s purpose is to provide solid research and informed commentary to help you make sense of life’s challenges and find peace of mind.
But why and how does Vision come without charge? The answers have everything to do with the way of life that lies at the heart of Vision’s message. Much of today’s materialistic society operates on the basis of competition and a desire for personal gain. At its simplest you might call this the way of get. Vision explains a different and better way of living based on spiritual principles. Put simply, you might call this the way of give.
We believe the dissemination of these spiritual principles is not something for which we should charge; to put a price on this journal would be inconsistent with that way. We want the journal to represent the highest ideals and standards in every respect, as well as to be thought-provoking and to provide much-needed understanding.
But how can we reconcile this desire with sending Vision out free of charge? Where does the money come from? You can be assured that it does not come from any political party, pressure group or government agency. We will not sell or even give your name to any other individual or organization. Vision has attracted enthusiastic supporters who voluntarily share in its mission. We have all become coworkers in a worthwhile work. For those who support us, the publication of this journal is a very worthy cause—the give way in practical action.
We hope you benefit from what you read in these pages, and that this anthology enhances your own vision and approach to life.