I’m grateful to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for providing me time and resources with which to research and write this book. Thank you to president Danny Akin, provost Keith Whitfield, to the SEBTS library, and to my research assistants Meridith Berson, Meagan Dickerson, and Becky Barnes for their diligent and cheerful help.
Without the resources and suggestions offered throughout this process by Brian Auten, Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Nathan Cartagena, Josh Chatraw, Joey Cochran, Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Eileen Lass, Henry Reichman, Joshua Swamidass, and Bethany Williamson, this would be a lesser work. Thank you all for your insights and expertise. I’m grateful for your generous insights and collegiality.
I am especially thankful to Nick Olson, not only for all the helpful feedback along the way but for sending countless book and article recommendations that are woven throughout this book, and my life too. My library and my mind have grown immeasurably through our friendship.
Thank you to the brilliant team at Brazos, especially Bob Hosack, Jeremy Wells, Eric Salo, Paula Gibson, and Janelle Mahlmann. Not only are you the best at what you do, but you are a joy to work with. Writers dream of partnering with such committed and talented publishing professionals. I will never take for granted getting to do so.
I owe a special gratitude to so many of my students who over the years have taught me more than I could ever imagine about growing up evangelical—the good, the bad, and the heartbreaking. In many ways, this book is because of you and for you.
Finally, to my steadfast husband, family, and friends: I can’t imagine life without your unwavering love and support.