This issue of Mennonite Life begins with Julie Hart's analysis of current peacebuilding and reconciliation work in Guatemala. Hart, who teaches sociology and peace studies at Bethel College, gathered information during a two-year sabbatical in Guatemala. That country is recovering from the anguish of a thirty-six year civil war. Hart shows that tasks of reconciliation are multi-dimensional and involve the best efforts of churches, governments, and international agencies.
Leland Harder in this issue completes a circle that began with his interest as an undergraduate student in the Dutch Mennonite reformer Pieter Cornelis Plockhoy, the founder in 1663 of an ill-fated socialist colony on the Delaware River. Harder both updates our knowledge of Plockhoy and reminds us not to forget the founder of the first Mennonite group settlement in North America.
Norman Kraus continues the "How My Mind Has Changed" series begun by Erland Waltner in the December issue. Kraus's intellectual pilgrimage has involved major transitions in his understanding of the Bible, the church, and the doctrine of peace. This series will continue in future issues.
Jim Juhnke reflects on his recent reading of a generally unknown book, Demon Doctor (1988), by Ingrid Rimland. Rimland has written much about Mennonites, but in recent years is better known for her leadership in the so-called revisionist "Holocaust Denial" movement.
This issue also includes the usual complement of reviews of books on Mennonite topics.