How do we deal with crime? It is inescapable. Since 1960, crime in the U.S. has increased 500% while the population has grown by only 41%. What is our responsibility to the victim and the offender? What is the Christian response? Explore the inadequacies of North American criminal justice systems and discover the alternative the Bible has to offer. Listen to stories of those involved in the system and from those pursuing a more "restorative justice." Hear clearly God's words of hope, challenge, and counsel.
Arthur Paul Boers is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana. He is an ordained Mennonite minister and Benedictine oblate. He served for over sixteen years as a pastor in rural, urban, and church-planting settings in the USA and Canada.
Boers is an author. His newest book is The Way is Made by Walking: A Pilgrimage Along the Camino de Santiago (InterVarsity, 2007). His other books are: --The Rhythm of Gods Grace (Paraclete, 2003); --Never Call Them Jerks: Healthy Responses to Difficult Behavior (Alban, 1999); --Lord, Teach Us to Pray: A New Look at the Lord's Prayer (Herald, 1992); --Justice that Heals: A Biblical Vision for Victims and Offenders (Faith and Life, 1992); --On Earth as in Heaven: Justice Rooted in Spirituality (Herald, 1991. He is co-editor of Take Our Moments and Our Days: An Anabaptist Prayer Book (Herald, 2007).
Boers earned the following degrees: D. Min. with distinction in worship and spirituality (Northern Baptist Theological Seminary), M. Th. in Pastoral Counseling (Waterloo Lutheran Seminary), M. Div. (McCormick Theological Seminary), M.A. in Peace Studies (Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary), B.A. (University of Western Ontario). He is Book Review Editor for Conrad Grebel Review. For many years he served as columnist and editorial advisor for Christian Ministry, The Builder and as contributing editor to The Other Side. His articles and reviews have been published in Biblical Preaching Journal, Catholic New Times, Christian Century, Christianity Today, Congregations, Leadership, St. Anthony Messenger, and Sojourners.
Hobbies include hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing. In 2005, he walked the 500 mile pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago in Spain, the experience which formed the basis for his newest book. Boers is a Canadian, the oldest son of Dutch immigrants. He is married to Lorna McDougall, an operating room nurse. They are the parents of two young adult children, both in college."