My interest in biblical paradox was sparked during a study fellowship graciously offered by Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois, in the early 1980s. I pursued this topic in a dissertation at Fuller Theological Seminary in the 1990s and am grateful to my supervisor, Ray Anderson, who offered a wealth of insight clarifying my germinating ideas. Doug Nason reviewed my dissertation with helpful suggestions and lasting encouragement. I wrote most of it while on sabbatical at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University, and greatly appreciated both the warm welcome to our family and the interest in this project over the years shown by then principal Paul Fiddes. The concept of different genres or orders of paradox coalesced from many sources, both known and unknown; even though I cannot cite them all, I am thankful to them.
Many of these ideas were first shared with the church family of First Presbyterian Church, Visalia, California; they will always have a special place in my heart. Teaching systematic theology at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for four years offered me the rich opportunity to learn the importance of worldview and incorporate it into my thinking. To all my friends, colleagues, and, most of all, brothers and sisters in Christ in both Visalia and EGST, I am grateful for every kindness you offered me.
Wayne Jacobsen not only suggested this book’s title but has encouraged my sporadic writing attempts over the past twenty-five years. Another partner on the journey who epitomizes an encouraging spirit to me is F. Dale Bruner, who commented on my dissertation years ago and then did the same with this manuscript. Others who read the entire manuscript and prodded me to improve in countless ways were Tom Elson, Nathan Hansen, Barbara Simpson, and James Starr. Dusty Ellington and Kurt Christensen offered responses to specific chapters. All have my deepest thanks.
If paradox opens a door to the mystery of God, John Walton gave me the amazing gift of opening the door to Zondervan. I am grateful for the always-positive guidance and support of Madison Trammel throughout the process, especially during my wife’s illness. Thanks to Madison and many others at Zondervan, this book became far more than I imagined it could be.
My children, Nathan (with Milli), Megan (with Joe), and Lauren, have all been encouragers of me and this book in ways small and large; they are all a profound blessing to me. The single factor that most powerfully shepherded this book from dream to reality is the tenacious, sacrificial love of my wife, Marilyn. Over the past forty-one years, she is the person who has consistently embodied God’s grace in my life.
—Rich Hansen, Thanksgiving Day 2015