Editorial: The Crown, Witness For King

As I worked over the summer to put together a solid first edition, I thought about the commitments I made in my article last year. I think there is an item I want to add: I am increasingly convinced that a writer’s unique voice must be preserved. With the addition of Bryan and Calvin as reporters, some degree of objectivity and inclusiveness should be detected in our articles. For the rest, if the balance is struck just right, we shouldn’t have to enforce professionalism to the extent that sacrificing the integrity of the writer’s voice is sacrificed. If we can be honest genuine first and professional second, I believe that we will end up hitting both marks.

While Redeemer continues to struggle with the issue of its identity in these changing times, I cannot help but wish to lean on something unchanging. Editorial staff in the past have always been able to adhere to the biblical principles that The Crown was established on. Dr. Theo Plantinga once wrote, “At its best, Redeemer represents a sharing of heart and mind. I find it liberating to think that there can be disagreement and a lively exchange of ideas within the context of a shared commitment to Christ.” When Jesus said that “…the truth shall set you free”, he was referring to himself; remember, he was called the way, the truth, and the life. The Crown, then, operates best when it is being truthful and honest, doing what it takes to be a witness indicating that we are His, and He is good. In the second issue of the first volume of The Crown in 1983, Harry Zantingh makes this point quite clearly and succinctly. I have decided to reprint the following article, “Crown: Witness for a King” (see image below)

Besides ousting “Rex the Royal Racoon”, Redeemer has changed very much since its first years. But what hasn’t changed through that time is our commitment to Christ-centred education. It is fitting, then, that I claim Zanting’s mantra for the twenty-seventh volume of The Crown. We will make a sincere effort to be a witness to Christ, to operate under the flags of his kingdom, and be set free by the truth.

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