Letter from Leland Eliason

This issue of Heart & Mind offers gripping and insightful reflections on the terrorist attacks and their impact during the weeks following September 11. The authors come from all three regions of Bethel Seminary, and provide a rich collage of perspectives that brings biblical truth to bear upon this world-changing event.

Two writers, Linda Dail and Terry Twerell, work adjacent to the World Trade Center in New York City near what is now called ground zero. Linda is a student at Bethel Seminary of the East, and Terry an adjunct faculty member. Their words take us to lower Manhattan and let us sense the turmoil, feel the grit, smell the odors, and experience the devastating dislocation of that terrible day.

Insightful faculty perspectives are offered by Wyndy Corbin, associate dean and ethics instructor at Bethel Seminary of the East, and Glen Scorgie, professor of theology at Bethel Seminary San Diego. Wyndy’s probing questions allow September 11 to become the catalyst for theological reflection and moral formation. Glen presents a much-needed Christian response to the religious conflict between Islam and Christianity that permeates current discussions.

At the first faculty meeting of this academic year in St. Paul, held two weeks after the attacks, Dean of the Center for Transformational Leadership Mark McCloskey shared a moving devotional. Reprinted in these pages, his thoughts capture the agonizing intensity of the moment, and then provide hope and direction.

Mihal Kreko, Croatian pastor and student at Bethel Seminary St. Paul, connects September 11 to the horror in his homeland a decade ago. His call to speak up for America has unique poignancy in light of the many who did not speak up for the homeless and destitute of his own country of origin. Through his personal convictions and actions, Mihal serves as a model of maturity and inspiration.

Adam Swenson, another St. Paul student, powerfully juxtaposes the sense of destroyed foundations and evaporated safety zones with the Good News of secure resources in Jesus Christ. He calls us to raise up old foundations and repair the walls. Together their words remind me of how the writer to the Hebrews approached demoralized Christians in New Testament times. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” he advises in 10:24. These articles do that noble work for us. On behalf of all Heart & Mind readers, I offer our heartfelt appreciation.Serving Him with you,

Leland V. Eliason
Provost and Executive Vice President
Bethel Seminary