Acknowledgments

MUCH OF THE MATERIAL IN this book is drawn from interviews conducted on “Big Conversation” editions of the Unbelievable? show, a series that has been generously supported by the John Templeton Foundation. There are too many individual guests to name, but my thanks to all of them for sparking the thoughts that eventually became this book. My heartfelt thanks go to my friends and colleagues who have helped to make that show (and many others, too) happen from week to week —especially Peter Byrom, Ruth Jackson, Phil Maltz, and Ben Cutting.

There are many other individuals who have been involved in the creation of this book since the seed for it was planted during the 2020 lockdown. I particularly want to thank the inimitable Keith Danby, who helped to steer the project from nascent idea to commissioned title with Tyndale. Thanks also to Jon Farrar, Jonathan Schindler, and Alyssa Clements at Tyndale who have been so helpful (and patient) during the writing, editing, and design process. Thanks also to all those who were willing to read the manuscript ahead of publication and offer endorsements.

There are many others who had a hand in reading and commenting on drafts of the manuscript along the way. My thanks go to Andy Lyon, Tom Holland, Tom Wright, Glen Scrivener, David Hutchings, Max Baker-Hytch, Paul VanderKlay, and my dad, Crofton Brierley. My wife, Lucy, also gave invaluable advice on all the chapters as they were being written.

Writing a book in a household of four children where both parents also have full-time jobs is not without its challenges, but Lucy was the one who ensured I had the time and space needed to write and was a constant encouragement (and supplier of coffee) throughout. She is God’s gift to me and the one who made this possible. Thank you.